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UNITED STATES BOOK; 



INTERESTING EVENTS 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES: 



BKING A SELECTION OF THE MJST IMPORTANT AND INTEREST- 
ING EVENTS WHICH HAVE TJANSPIRED SINCE THE DISCO- 
VERY OF THIS COUNTRY, TO THE PRESENT TIME ; 

WITH 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 

OF PERSONS DISTINGlISHED IN AMERICAN HISTORY" 



COMPILED FROM 'HE MOST APPROVED AUTHORITIES, 

B7 J. W.'feARBER 




;W HAVEN : 
PUBLISHED BY L. H. YOUNG 



1834. 



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[Entered according to act pf CongTes^int.he year 1S33, by J. VV 
Barber, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut..' 



V_ 




>JU.f«.*-r,.//rV- 




PREFACE. 



-VuTHENTic accounts of important events wliich have taken 
, .,ice in past ages, are of much utility ; especially to the coun- 

f tries and people whose affairs are related. In a country like 
ours, it seems necessary to the existence of true and enlight- 
ened patriotism, that every person should possess some know- 
ledge of the history of his own country. By the aid of history 
we can call up past scenes and events in review — we can see 
the effects they have had upon the nations before us, and from 
thence we can learn wisdom for Ihe future. It is, in reality, 
interesting and instructive to every intelligent mind, lo be 
transported back to the time of the first settlement of our coun- 
try, to observe the courage, fortitude, and self-denial of our 
foi%fathers, amidst many surrounding dangers, difficulties, and 
privations, — their unconquerable love of freedom, — the resist- 
ance they manifested to tyranny in all its shapes, — and the 
final success of their efforts to preserve the freedom and in- 
dependence of their country entire. 

This work is not designed for the information of those who 
are conversant with the history of our country in all its parts ; 
(this class of community is comparatively small;) but for those 
who cannot spare the time or expense of reading or procuring 
a full and complete history. The object of the work is to give 
an account, in ^shoi-L but comprehensive manner, of the most 
important and intere^Bg events which have taken place in our 
country, nearly all ^^-hich are arranged in chronological 

*• order. Those events which are deemed of minor importance, 
are inserted in the Chronological Tables, at the end of the 
book, as every event which is mentioned could not be detailed, 
without swelling the book to an expensive size. 



\ 



It IS believed that tins work wiU beToimTi useful as a refer" 



ence book, for events recorded'in'5?inerican history ; there be- 
ing, it is presumed, no event of any very considerable impor- 
tance, which is not noticed in its pages. 

In making the selection of events, care has been taken to 
consult the most approved authorities; and the compiler would 
here state, that he feels himself under particular obligations to 
Holmes' American Annals, the most valuable work of the kind 
which has ever appeared in this cotintry, — a work from which 
a great proportion of the late Histories of the United States 
haA'e been benefited, either directly or indirectly. 

Other authors have also been consulted, and extracts taken 
from them in many instances, as will be perceived in exam- 
ining the work. In this edition, many accounts given in the 
previous ones are considerably enlarged, an outline history of 
the United States is prefixed, and a short biographical sketch 
of some of the most distinguished men in American history, is 
given ; the constitution of the United States, and Washington's 
farewell address, besides other additions. The numerous en- 
gravings interspersed through the book, it is thought, will be 
of utility in making the work interesting, and of fixing tjie 
facts more firmly in the mind. 

J. W. B. 






CONTENTS. 



Outline History of the United States, - - -♦ pack 9 

North American Indians, 27 

Expeditions of Ferdinand de Soto and M. de la Salle, - 32 

Introduction of the use of Tobacco, - . . - 33 

Settlement of Jamestown, Va., 34 

•Pocahontas, 36 

Plymouth settlers, --....--38 

Discovery of Indian corn, ...-.- 39 

Massasoit, the Indian Sachem, 40 

Exploits of Capt. Standish, 41 

First settlements in Connecticut, 43 

Blue Laws of Connecticut, ..... 44 

Earthquakes, 47 

Indian cunning and sagacity, ..... 49 

Expedition against the Pequots, 49 

Elliot, the Indian Missionary, 52 

King Philip's War.— Attack on Brookfield, - - - 53 

Swamp fight with the Narragansetts, .... 54 

Death of King Philip, 56 

Bacon's Insurrection in Virginia, .... 57 

The Regicides, GofTe and Whalley, - - - - 58 

William Penn, 60 

Tyranny of Audros, 61 

Preservation of the Charter of Connecticut, - - 62 

Destruction of Schenectady, 64 

First culture of Rice in the Colonies, .... 64 

Salem Witchcraft, 65 

Captain Kidd, the Pirate, 66 

Great Snow Storm, 68 

Dark Days, 71 

Northern Lights, 72 

Gov. Fletcher and Capt. Wadsworth, .... - 74 



6 CONTENTS, • 

War with the Tuscaroras, . - . . . page 75 

War with the Yamasees, 76 

Inoculation introduced, 78 

Father Ralle, the French Jesuit, 80 

Natchez Indians extirpated, -...-- 81 

Negro Insurrection in Carolina, 82 

Invasion of Georgia, -.....-83 

Capture of Louisburg, ------- 85 

D'Anville's Expedition, 86 

Tumult in Boston, 88 

Braddock's Defeat, ------.-89 

Massacre at Fort William Henry, . - - - 90 

Abercrombie's Defeat, ....... 02 

Capture of Cluebec, 93 

War with the Cherokees, 95 

Expeditions against the Spanish settlements in the W. Indies, 99 

Dr. Franklin's Experiment in Electricity, - - - 100 

Whitefield, the celebrated Preacher, . - . - 102 

Col. Boon's first settlement of Kentucky, - - - 103 

Stamp Act, 107 

Massacre in Boston, 108 

Destruction of Tea in Boston, 110 

First .Continental Congress, Ill 

Battle of Lexington, 113 

Taking of Ticonderoga by Col. Allen, • - - 115 

Battle of Bunker Hill, ------- 117 

Arnold's march through the Wilderness, - - - 125 

Death of Gen. Montgomery, 126 

Washington Commander in Chief of the American Army, 128 

Attack on Sullivan's Island, 130 

Declaration of Independence, 132 

Battle on Long Island, - - - • - - - 134 

Death of Capt. Hale, 137 

Battle of Trenton, 139 

Battle of Princeton, 141 

Battle of Brandywine, 142 

Battle of Germantown, and attack on Red Bank, - - 144 

Murder of Miss McCrea, - - ,_ - - - - 145 



CONTENTS. 7 

Battle of Bennington and Capture of Burgoyne, - PiOE 146 

Treaty with France, 150 

Battle of Monmouth or Freehold, ----- 151 

Taking of Savannah and Charleston, - - - 152 

Paul Jones' Naval Battle, 154 

Gen. Putnam's Escape at Horseneck, and Wolf Den, - 155 

Storming of Stony Point, 157 

Battle of Camden, 158 

Murder of Mrs. and Mr. Caldwell, - - - - 159 

Massacre of Wyoming, 161 

Distress and mutiny of the American Army, - - 162 

Capture of Andre and Treason of Arnold, - r • 165 

Battle at King's Movmtain, - 167 

Battle of the Cowpens, 170 

Battle of Guilford, - 171 

Battle of Eutaw Springs, 172 

Storming of Fort Griswold, - 174 

Siege of Yorktown and Surrender of Cornwallis, - 175 

Washington taking leave of the Army, . - - 178 

Continental Money, 178 

Shays' Insurrection in Massachusetts, .... 180 

Adoption of the Federal Constitution, ... 18I 

Inauguration of President Washington, - - - 183 

Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania, - . . 184 

Yellow Fever in Philadelphia in 1793, - - - - 185 

St. Clair's Defeat and Wayne's Victory, ... 187 

Difficulties with the French, ---... 189 

Death of Washington, - 191 

Invention of Steamboats, - . . . ^ . 193 

Wars with the Barbary States, - - - .^ . 196 

Burr's Conspiracy, - . 200 

Expeditions of Captains Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean, 204 

Burning of the Theatre at Richmond, Va., - - 205 

Second War with Great Britain, - . - . . 207 

Mob in Baltimore, 209 

Gen. Hull's Surrender, -. -----211 

Capture of the Guerriere, • 213 

Battle of Clueenstown, ....... 214 



8 CONTENTS. 

Massacre at Port Mimras, page 21S 

CaptureofYork, U. C, - .- -> - - - - 217 

Battle on Lake Erie, 219 

Death of Tecumseh, 220 

Barbarities of the British at Hampton, Va., - - 222 

Battle of Niagara, 325 

Burning of Washington City, . . . - . 228 

Battle of Plallsburg, 230 

Hartford Convention, 236 

Gen. Jackson's Victory at New Orleans, ... 237 

Bank of the United States, 240 

Piracies in the West Indies, 246 

Conspiracy of the Blacks in Charleston, S. C, - - 247 

Western Antiquities, 254 

Erie Canal, 258 

Gen. Lafayette's Visit, 260 

Insurrection and Massacre in Virginia, (1831,) - - 262 

Riot in Providence, R. I., (1831,) 268 

Chronological Table. — Discoveries, &c., . - - 275 

Wars and Military Events, 277 

Remarkable Events, -.--..- 283 

Colleges, 290 

Biographical Sketches, ...... 291 

Declaration of Independence, - - -' - - 327 

Constitution of the United States, .... 33i. 

Farewell Address of Washington, - - - - ^ - 350 

Circular Letter to the Governors of the States, . - 367 

Farewell Orders to the Army of the U. States, - - 378 

Indian Eloquence. — Speech of Logan, ... 385 

Speeches of the Seneca Chiefs, 386 

Speech of Farmer's Brother, 392 

Speeches of Red Jacket, 393 

Speech at the Grave of Black Buffalo, - -" - 399 

Speech of Red Jacket at Buflalo,-in 1805, - , - - 400 



UNITED STATES BOOK, &c. 



OUTLINE HISTORY. 

After the first daring and successful voyage of Co- 
lumbus, the attention of the European governments was 
directed towards exploring the " new world." In the 
year 1497, John Cabot, a Venetian in the service of 
Henry VII. of England, first discovered the Island of 
Newfoundland, and from thence ranged the coast of the 
United States to Florida. The country was peopled by 
uncivilized nations, who subsisted chiefly by hunting and 
fishing. The Europeans who first visited our shores, 
treated the na*tives as wild beasts of the forest, which have 
no property in the forests through which they roam; and 
therefore planted the standard of their respective masters 
on the spot where they first landed, and in their names 
took possession of the country, which they claimed by 
right of discovery. Previous to any settlement in North 
America, many titles of this kind were acquired by the 
English, Dutch, French, and Spanish navigators. Slight 
as these claims were, they were afterwards the causes of 
much dispute and contention between the European go- 
vernments. These contentions arose from the fact of the 
subjects of different princes laying claim to the same tract 
of country, because both had discovered the same river 
or promontory ; or because the extent of the claims of 
each party was undefined. 

The first permanent English settlements in the United 
States were at Jamestown in Virginia, in 1G07, and at PI jr. 
mouth in Massachusetts in 1620. While the European 
settlements were feAv and scattered in this vast aiid uncul- 
tivated country, and the trade of it confined to the bartering 



10 

of a few trinkets, &c. for furs, the interfering of different 
claims produced no important controversy among the Eu- 
ropeans. But in proportion as the settlements were ex- 
tended, and in proportion as the trade with the natives 
became valuable, the jealousies of the nations who had 
made discoveries and settlements on the coast were 
alarmed, and each power took measures to secure and 
extend its possessions, at the expense of its rivals. 

From the earliest settlement of the Colonies to the 
treaty of Paris in 1763, they were often harassed by fre- 
quent wars with the Indians, French, Spaniards, and 
Dutch. During the Indian wars, the savages were often 
instigated by the French and Dutch to fall on the English 
settlements, in order to exterminatei'he colonists, or drive 
them from the country. These wars were by far the 
most distressing; the first settlers lived in continual fear 
and anxiety, for fear their Indian foes would fall ujv3n 
them in some unguarded moment, and oftentimes they 
had to struggle to prevent their entire extermination. 
After the colonies had subdued the Indians in their im- 
mediate vicinity, they were assailed by the French and 
Indians. The French possessed Canada, and had made 
a number of settlements in Florida, and claimed the 
country on both sides of the Mississippi. To secure and 
extend their claims they established a line of forts back 
of the English settlements, from Canada to Florida. 
They used much art and persuasion to gain over the 
Indians to their interest, in which they were generally 
successful. Encroachments were accordingly made on 
the English possessions, and mutual injuries succeeded, 
which soon broke out into open war. 

In order to put a stop to the depredations of the French 
and Indians, it was contemplated to conquer Canada. In 
1690 the Commissioners of the Colonies projected an 
expedition against Quebec. The land forces ordered for 
this invasion consisted of 850 men, raised from the Colo- 
nies of New England and New York, and commanded 
by Gen. Winthrop. At the same time a fleet of armed 
ships and transports, with 1800 men, under Sir William 
Phipps, was ordered to sail up the St. Lawrence, andco- 



11 

operate with the land forces in the reduction of Quebec. 
But owing to the delay of the fleet, and the want of boats 
and provisions among the land forces, the expedition was 
unsuccessful. The next expedition against Canada took 
place in 1709, in Q.ueen Anne's reign. The Colonies 
of New England and New York, raised about 2,500 
men, who were placed under the command of Gen. Ni- 
cholson, who proceeded to Wood Creek, south of Lake 
George. Here they waited to hear of the arrival of the 
fleet which was to co-operate with them. The fleet did 
not arrive, and the army at Wood Creek were attacked 
with a malignant disease, which occasioned a great mor- 
tality, which compelled them to withdraw, and the ex- 
pedition was aband ned. In 1711, another attempt, 
under Gen. Nicholson with the land forces, and a fleet 
under Admiral Walker, was made for the conquest of 
Canada. But this failed by the loss of eight or nine 
transports, with about 1000 men, by shipwreck. The 
peace of Utrecht, signed March 3d, 1713, put an end to 
hostilities, and continued till 1739. 

In 1744, Great Britain declared war against France, 
and the next year Louisburg, a strong fortress on Cape 
Breton, was taken from the French. The French go- 
vernment soon fitted out a large fleet, with a large body 
of land forces, for the purpose of recovering Louisburg, 
and attacking the English Colonies. But this expedi- 
tion, by means of storms, sickness among the troops, &c. 
failed of accomplishing any thing, and the Colonies were 
relieved from consternation and dismay. This war closed 
by a treaty of peace, signed at Aix la Chapellc, in 174^. 

In 17.")5, hostilities again commenced between Great 
Britain and France, and in 175G, four expeditions were 
undertaken against the French. One Avas conducted by 
Col. Monckton and Gen. Winslow, against Nova Scotia. 
This expedition was attended with success. The country 
was subdued, and the inhabitants, aboGt 2,000 in number, 
. were transported to New England, and dispersed and in- 
corporated with their conquerors. Gen. Johnson was 
ordered, with a body of troops, to take possession of 
Crown Point, but he did not succeed. Gen. Shirley 



12 

commanded an expedition against the fort at Niagara, 
but lost the season by delay. Gen. Braddock was sent 
against Fort du Q,uesne, but in penetrating through the 
wilderness fell into an ambuscade of French and In- 
dians, where he was killed, and his troops suffered an 
entire defeat. 

In 1758, great efforts Avere made to subdue the French 
in America. Three armies were employed — one com- 
manded by Gen. Amherst, to take possession of Cape 
Breton — one under Gen. Abercrombie, destined against 
Crown Point — and a third under Gen. Forbes, to drive 
the French from the Ohio. Gen. Amherst was suc- 
cessful in taking Louisburg, after a warm siege. The 
inhabitants of Cape Breton were sent to France, and the 
fortifications of Louisburg reduced to a heap of ruins. 

Gen. Abercrombie, who was sent against Crown Point 
and Ticonderoga, attacked the French at the latter place, 
and was defeated with a terrible slaughter of his troops. 
Gen. Forbes was successful in taking possession of Fort 
du Gluesne, which the French thought proper to aban- 
don. — The next year the elTorts of the British and Ameri- 
cans to reduce the French were more successful. Gen. 
Prideaux and Sir William Johnson began the operations 
of the campaign, by taking possession of the French 
fort near Niagara. Gen. Amherst took possession of 
the forts at Crown Point and Ticonderoga, which the 
French had abandoned. 

But the decisive blow which proved the destruction 
of the French power in America, was the taking of 
Quebec by Gen. Wolfe. The loss of Quebec was soon 
followed by the capture of Montreal by Gen. Amherst, 
and Canada became a province of the British Empire. 
" Thus, after a century of wars, massacres, and destriic- 
tion, committed by the French and savages, the colonies 
were secured from ferocious invaders, and Canada, with 
a valuable trade in furs, came under the British domi- 
nion." 

The conquest of Canada, and the expulsion of the- 
French from the Ohio, put an end to all important mili- 
iary operations in the American Colonies. In Europe, 



13 

however, the war continued to rage ; and in the West 
Indies, the British, aided by the Americans, took Hava- 
na from the Spaniards. But in 1 762, " a definitive treaty 
of peace was signed at Paris, by which the French king 
ceded Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, and Canada, to the Bri- 
tish kinar; and the middle of the Mississinni, from its 



'o ) 



ppl, 



source to the river Ibberville, and the middle of that ri- 
ver to the sea, was made the boundary between the British 
and French dominions in America. Spain ceded to 
Great Britain, Florida, and all her possessions to the east 
of the Mississippi. Such was the state of the European 
possessions in America, at the commencement of the 
Revolution." 

Before the Revolution, there were three kinds of go- 
vernment established in the British American Colonies. 
" The first was a charter government, by which the 
powers of legislation were vested in a governor, council, 
and assembly, chosen by the people. Of this kind were 
the governments of Connecticut and Rhode Island. The 
second was a proprietary government, in which the pro- 
prietor of the province was governor ; although he gene- 
rally resided abroad, and administered the government 
by a deputy of his own appointment; the assembly on- 
ly being chosen by the people. Such were the go- 
vernments of Pennsylvania and Maryland; and, origi- 
nally, of New-Jersey and Carolina. The third kind 
was that of royal government, Vv'here the governor and 
council were appointed by the crown, and the assembly 
by the people. Of this kind were the governments of 
New-Hampshire, Massachusetts, New- York, New-Jer- 
sey, after the year 1702, Virginia, the Carolinas, after 
the resignation of the proprietors in 1728, and Georgia. 
This variety of governments created different degrees of 
dependence on the crown. To render laAvs valid, it was 
constitutionally required that they should be ratified by 
the king; but this formality was often dispensed with, 
especially in the charter governments. 

" At the beginning of the last Avar with France, com- 
missioners from many of the colonies had assembled at 
Albany, and proposed that a great council should be 
2 



14 

formed by deputies from the several colonies, which, 
with a general governor, to be appointed by the crown, 
should be empowered to take measures for the common 
safety, and to raise money for the execution of their de- 
signs. This proposal was not relished by the British 
ministry; but in place of this plan it was proposed, that 
the governors of the colonies, with the assistance o^one 
or two of their council, should assemble and concert 
measures for the general defence; erect forts, levy troops, 
and draw on the treasury of England for moneys that 
should be wanted; but the treasury to be reimbursed by 
a tax on the colonies, to be laid by the English parlia- 
ment. To this plan, which would imply an avowal of 
the right of parliament to tax the colonies, the provin- 
cial assemblies objected Avith unshaken firmness. It 
seems, therefore, that the British parliament, before the 
war, had it in contemplation to exercise the right they 
claimed of taxing the colonies at pleasure, without per- 
mitting them to be represented. Indeed it is obvious 
that they laid hold of the alarming situation of the colo- 
nies, about 1754 and 1755, to force them into an ac- 
knowledgment of the right, or the adoption of mea- 
sures that might afterwards be drawn into precedent. 
The colonies, however, with an uncommon foresight and 
firmness, defeated all their attempts. The war was car- 
ried on by requisitions on the colonies for supplies of 
men and money, or by voluntary contributions. 

" But no sooner was peace concluded, than the Eng- 
lish parliament resumed the plan of taxing the colo- 
nies ; and, to justify their attempts, said, that the money 
to be raised was to be appropriated to defray the expense 
of defending them in the late war."* 
V^ The first attempt of the British government to raise a 
yevenue in America, appeared in the memorable Stamp 
Act ; but such was the opposition of the colonies to this 
act, that it was shortly after repealed. The parliament, 
however, persisted in their right to raise a revenue from 
the colonies, and accordingly passed an act, laying a 
certain duty on glass, tea, paper, and painters' colours — 
* Dr. Morse. 



15 ! 

articles which were much wanted, and not manufactured 
in America. This act was so obnoxious to the Ameri- 
cans, that the parliament thought proper, in 1770, to \ 
take off these duties, except three pence a pound on tea. 
But this duty, however trifling, kept alive the jealousies [ 
of the colonies, and their opposition continued and in- ; 
creased. It was not the inconvenience of paying the j 
duty which raised their opposition, but it was the prin- I 
ciple, which, once admitted, would have subjected the 
colonies to unlimited parliamentary taxation, without the 
privilege of being represented. i 

After a series of oppressive acts on the part of the 
British government, and of opposition on the part of j 
the colonies. General Gage was sent over with an I 
armed force to Boston, in 1774, to overawe and reduce j 
the rebellious colonies to submission. But these mea- ^ 
sures did not intimidate the Americans. The people | 
generally concurred in a r''<Jposition for holding a Con- 
gress by deputation fium the several culonioe, in order 
to conceit measures for the preservation of their rights. 
Deputies were accordingly appointed, and the first Con- ] \^ 
gress met at Philadelphia, in October, 1774. The pro^r^ 
ceedings of the American Congress had a tendency to i 
confirm the people in a spirited and unanimous deter- 
mination to resist the oppressive acts of the mother ; 
country, and to defend their just and constitutional rights. ' 
On the other hand, the British Parliament declared that « 
a rebellion actually existed, and besought his Britannic 
Majesty to take the most effectual measures to enforce 
due obedience to the laws and authority of his govern- 
ment ; and assured him that they were determined to ■ 
support him in maintaining the just rights of the crown. ! 
" From this moment an appeal to arms became unavoid- 
able, and both parties prepared for the conflict." 

The first scene of this sanguinary contest opened at 
Lexington, on the morning of the 19th of April, 1775. 
Here was spilt the first blood in a war of seven years i 
duration, a war which severed these United States from 
the British Empire, and ended in the establishment of 
the independence of a nation of freemen. 



16 

1775 

[The first year of the Revolution.] 

The principal operations of the war during this year 
took place in the northern States. As the province of 
Massachusetts had been foremost in opposition, the Bri- 
tish g-overnment sent their forces to Boston, the capital, 
and held it in possession during the year. Soon after 
the battles of Lexington, and Bunker'' s Hill, Gen. Wash- 
ington, who was appointed commander in chief of the 
American forces, arrived at Cambridge, and took the 
command of the army in July. The army investing 
Boston amounted to about 15,000 men. They were 
mostly destitute of good arms, ammunition, clothing, 
and experienced officers. Washington's first and most 
difficult task was to orga^i^^ and discipline the troops. 
Owing- to kio uncommon exenloYis and influence, he 
succeeded in bringing high-minded Ireemcn to Vnow 
their respective places, and to have the mechanism as 
well as the movements of a regular army. 

In the autumn of this year, a body of troops under 
the command of Gen. Montgomery, besieged and took 
the garrison at St. John's, which commanded the en- 
trance into Canada. Gen. Montgomery pursued his 
success, and took Montreal. At Gluebec being joined 
by Gen. Arnold, who had marched a body of men 
through the wilderness to his assistance, Montgomery 
made an assault on Q,uebec, on the last day of the year. 
In this attack he was killed, his troops defeated, and 
the American army was finally compelled to evacuate 
Canada. 

During this year nearly all the old governments of 
the colonies were dissolved ; and the royal governors, 
and the crown officers adhering to British measures, 
were obliged to leave the country, or suspend their 
functions. From that time temporary conventions were 
held, for the purpose of administering the laws, and 
making regulations to meet the public exigences. In 



17 

some of the colonics, however, the British adherents 
(who were called forks) were numerous and powerful, 
which weakened the opposition to the British arms. 

17 7 6. 

This year was opened by the burning of the large 
and flourishing to-\vn of Norfolk in Virginia, by order 
of Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of that province. 

The British King entered into treaties with some of 
the German States for about 17,000 men who were to 
be sent to America this year, to assist in subduing the 
colonies. These troops were generally called Hessians, 
from the circumstance of many of them being raised in 
Hesse Cassel in Germany. Gen. Washington who 
still continued before Boston, in the opening of the 
spring planted his batteries so judiciously before that 
town, that the British General Howe, on the 17th of 
March abandoned the place, and Gen. Washington 
marched into the place in triumph. 

During the summer a squadron of ships command- 
ed by Sir Peter Parker, and a body of troops under 
Generals Clinton and Cornwallis, attempted to take 
Charleston, the capital of South Carolina. The fort on 
Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, was attacked with 
great fury by the ships of the squadron, but the British 
were repulsed with great loss, and the expedition was 
abandoned. 

On the 4th of July, Congress published the Declara- 
tion of Independence. Soon after the declaration. Gen. 
Howe with a powerful force arrived near New- York ; 
and landed the troops on Staten Island. Gen. Wash- 
ington at this time was in New- York with about 13,000 
men, who were encamped either in the city, or the 
neighbouring fortifications. The operations of the Bri- 
tish began by attacking the Americans on Long Island. 
The Americans were defeated with severe loss, and 
Gen. Washington probably saved the remainder of his 
troops by ordering them to retreat in the night after the 
battle. 

2* 



18 

In September, New-York was abandoned by the 
Americans, and taken by the British, and in November, 
fort Washington on York Island was taken, and more 
than 2,000 men made prisoners : about the same time 
Gen. Clinton took possession of Rhode Island. 

The American army being greatly diminished by the 
loss of men taken prisoners, and the departure of large 
bodies of others whose term of enlistment had expired, 
General Washington was obliged with the remnant of 
his army which had been reduced from 25,000, to 
scarcely 3,000, to retreat towards Philadelphia, pursued 
by their victorious enemies. This was the most gloomy 
period of the Revolution. Washington saw the neces- 
sity of striking some successful blow, to reanimate the 
expiring hopes of his countrymen. The battles of 
Trenton and Princeton revived the hopes of America, 
and confounded their enemies. Congress also made 
great exertions to rouse the spirits of the people, and 
sent agents to solicit the friendship and aid of foreign 
powers. 

1777. 

The plan of the British Ministry during this year 
was to separate the northern from the southern States, 
by sending an army under Gen. Burgoyne from Canada, 
to penetrate into the northern States, and endeavour to 
eflect a communication with the British at New- York. 
If this plan had been successful, it would probably have 
had a fatal effect on the American cause. But the de- 
feat of Burgoyne at Bennington and Saratoga, and the 
surrender of his army at the latter place, produced im- 
portant results in favour of the Americans. At the 
South the British were more successful. Gen. Howe 
embarked his forces at New- York, sailed up the Chesa- 
peake, landed at the head of Elk river, and began his 
march to Philadelphia. Gen. Washington endeavoured 
to stop his progress, and a battle was fought near Bran- 
dywine Creek, but the Americans were overpowered by 
superior numbers and discipline, and Gen. Howe took 



19 

possession of Philadelphia. The American Congress 
now retired to Yorktown in Virginia. 

1778. 

The beginning of this year was distinguished by a 
Treaty of Alliance with France, whereby the Ameri- 
cans obtained a powerful ally. When the British 
Ministry were informed that this treaty was in agitation, 
they despatched commissioners to America to attempt a 
reconciliation. — But the Americans had now gone too 
far to accept their offers. The British evacuated Phila- 
delphia in June and marched for New-York ; on their 
march they were annoyed by the Americans, and at 
Monmouth an action took place, in which, had Gen. Lee 
obeyed liis orders, a signal victory would have been 
obtained. 

In July, Count D'Estaing arrived at Newport, R. I. 
with a French fleet for the assistance of the Americans. 
In August, Gen. Sullivan, with a large body of troops, 
attempted to take possession of Rhode Island, but did 
not succeed. In December, Savannah, the then capital 
of Georgia, was taken by the British under the com- 
mand of Col. Campbell. About this time an insurrec- 
tion of the Royalists in North Carolina, was crushed 
by the spirited exertions of the Militia. During this 
year a more regular discipline was introduced into the 
American army by Baron Steuben, a German officer. 

1779. 

The campaign of 1779 was distinguished for nothing 
decisive on the part of the Americans or British. " The 
British seemed to have aimed at little more than to 
distress, plunder, and consume — it having been, early in 
the year, adopted as a principle upon which to proceed, 
to render the Colonies of as little avail as possible to 
their new connexions." In accordance with these 
views, an expedition was sent from New- York to Vir- 
ginia for the purpose of distressing the Americans. , 



20 

They landed at Portsmouth, and destroyed the shipping 
and valuable stores in that vicinity. After enriching 
themselves with various kinds of booty, and burning 
several places, they returned to New- York. Soon after 
this expedition, a similar one, under the command of 
Governor Tryon, was sent against Connecticut. New- 
Haven and East-Haven. Avere plundered; Fairfield, 
Norwalk, and Green's Farms, were wantonly burned. 
About this time Stony Point was taken by Gen. Wayne. 
In October, Gen. Lincoln (who commanded the southern 
American army) and Count D'Estaing made an assault 
on Savannah, but they Avere repulsed with considerable 
loss. During the summer. Gen. Sullivan was sent 
against the Six Nations, and laid waste their country ; 
— these Indians had been induced by the British to take 
up arms against the Americans. Forty villages were 
consumed, and 100,000 bushels of corn were destroyed. 

1780. 

On the opening of the campaign of this year, the 
British troops left Rhode Island, and Sir Henry Clinton 
finding it more easy to malve an impression on the 
Southern States, which were less populous than the 
•Northern, determined to make them tie seat of war. 
Clinton, with Lord Cormvallis, undertook an expedition 
against Charleston, South Carolina, where Gen. Lincoln 
commanded. This place, after a close siege of about 
six weeks, surrendered to the British commander ; and 
Gen. Lincoln, and the whole garrison, were made pri- 
soners on the 12th of May. 

Gen. Gates was now appointed to the command of 
the southern American army. In August, Lord Corn- 
wallis (who was left in the command of the British 
forces at the South) attacked Gen. Gates, and entirely 
routed his army. He afterwards marched through the 
southern States, and supposed them entirely subdued. 
During the simimer, the British troops made frequent 
incursions into New-Jersey, ravaging and plundering 
the country. This year was also distinguished for the 



21 

infamous treason of Gen. Arnold, which stamped his 
name with lasting infamy. 

1781. 

The beginning of this year was distinguished by a 
mutiny in the American army : this was occasioned by 
their severe sufferings and privations, and the deprecia- 
tion of the Continental Monei/ with which they were 
paid. But the punishment of the ringleaders, and the 
exhortation of the officers, prevailed to bring them back 
to their duty. 

After the defeat of Gen. Gates in Carolina, Gen. 
Greene was appointed :o the command of the American 
troops in that quarter. From this period the aspect of 
the war was more favourable.' On the 17th of January, 
at the Coiopcns, Gen. Morgan, the intrepid commander 
of riflemen, signally defeated Col. Tarleton, the active 
commander of the Briiish Legion. After a variety of 
movements, the main armies met at Guilford in Caro- 
lina on the 15th of March. Gen. Greene and Lord 
Cornwallis exerted themselves at the head of their re- 

Spocti'vc armiea j and altboug-K tko j\.rr5V>rii.,Q.no Were 

obliged to retire from tJie field of battle, yet the British 
army suffered a severe loss, and could not pursue the 
victory. After the battle of Guilford, Gen. Greene 
moved toAvards South Carolina to drive the British 
from their posts in that State, and by a brilliant action 
at Eutaio Springs, forced Lord Cornwallis to with- 
draw his forces, and fortify himself in Yorktown, in 
Virginia. 

In the Spring of this year, Arnold the traitor, with a 
number of British troops, sailed to Virginia and plun- 
dered the country, and at the time Cornwallis was at 
Yorktown made an incursion into Connecticut, burnt 
New-London, took fort Griswold by storm, and put the 
garrison to the sword. 

About the last of August, Count de Grasse with a 
large French fleet arrived in the Chesapeake and block- 
ed up the British troops at Yorktown. Gen. Wash* 



22 

ington previous to this had moved the main body of his 
army to the southward, and when he heard of the arri- 
val of the French fleet, made rapid marches to the head 
of Elk river, where embarking, his army soon arrived 
at Yorktown. A vigorous siege now commenced, and 
was carried on with such effect ly the combined forces 
of America and France, that Ccrnwallis was forced to 
surrender. This important event took place on the 
19th of October, 1781, and decided the Revolutionary 
war. 

On the 30th of November, 1782, the provisional arti- 
cles of peace were signed at Paris ; by which Great 
Britain acknowledged the Independence and sovereignty 
of the United States of America ; and these articles 
were afterwards ratified by a deinitive treaty. 

" Thus ended a long and arduous conflict, in which 
Great Britain expended near a hundred millions of 
money, with a hundred thousand lives, and won no- 
thing. America endured every cruelty and distress ; 
lost many lives and much treasire; but delivered her- 
self from a foreign dominion, and gained a rank among 
the nations of the earth." 



After peace was restored to the country, the next and 
most difficult object was to organize and establish a 
general Government. Articles of confederation and 
perpetual union had been framed in Congress, and sub- 
mitted to the consideration of the States in 1778, and in 
1781 were agreed to by all the State legislatures. 

The articles, however, were framed during the rage 
of war, when principles of common safety supplied the 
place of a coercive power in the government. To have 
offered to the people, at that time, a regular system of 
government, armed with the necessary power to regu- 
late the conflicting interests of thirteen States, might 
have raised a jealousy between them or the people at 
large, that would have weakened the operations of war, 
and perhaps have rendered a union impracticable. Hence 
the numerous defects of the confederation.. On the con- 



23 

elusion of peace the defects began to be felt. Each 
State assumed the right of disputing the propriety of 
the resolutions of Congress, and the interests of an in- 
dividual State Avere often placed in opposition to the 
common interest of the union. In addition to this, a jea- 
lousy of the powers of Congress began to be excited in 
the minds of many of the people. 

Without a union that was able to form and execute a 
general system of commercial regulations, some of the 
States attempted to impose restraints upon the foreign 
trade that should indemnify them for the losses they had 
sustained. These measures, however, produced nothing 
but mischief The States did not act in concert, and the 
restraints laid on the trade of one State operated to throw 
the business into the hands of its neighbour. Thus di- 
vided, the States began to feel their weakness. Most 
of the Legislatures had naglected to comply with the 
requisitions of Congress for supplying the Federal Trea- 
sury ; the resolves of Cono^ress were disregarded ; the 
proposition for a general impost to be laid and collected 
by Congress was negatived by Rhode Island and New- 
York. 

In pursuance of the request of Virginia, most of the 
States appointed delegates who assembled at Annapolis 
in 1786, to consult what measures should be taken in 
order to unite the States in some general and efficient 
government. But as the powers of these delegates 
were limited, thej^ adjourned, and recommended a gene- 
ral Convention to meet at Philadelphia the next year. 
Accordingly in May, 1787, delegates from all the States, 
except Rhode Island, assembled at Philadelphia, and 
appointed Gen. Washington their president. "After 
four months deliberation, ia which the clashing inte- 
rests of the several States appeared in all their force," 
the convention agreed to a frame of government which, 
was finally agreed to by all the States ; and on the 30th 
of April, 1789, Gen. Washington was inaugurated the 
first President of the United States. From this auspi- 
cious moment the American Republic has steadily ad- 
vanced in a tide of prosperity and growing power. 



24 



WASHINGTON S ADMINISTRATION. 

This period continued for eight years. Washington, 
the leader of the armies of the United States, who con- 
ducted them through the perilous and successful strug- 
gle for Independence, now received the unanimous 
suffrages of his countrymen to administer their national 
government. " His administration, partaking of his 
character, Avas mild and firm at home ; noble and prii- 
dent abroad." The principal events which took place 
during this period were, the Indian war on our West- 
ern frontiers — the Whiskey Insurrection, in Pennsyl- 
vania — Jay's treaty with Great Britain, — and the es- 
tablishment of a National Bank and Mint. 

" During this period, the arts and manufactures at- 
tracted the attention of Govermnent. Mr. Hamilton, 
Secretary of the Treasury, made a report to Congress 
on the subject, in which he set forth their importance lo 
the country, and urged the po[ic3r of aiding them. Since 
that time the revenue laws have been framed, with a 
yievv to the encouragement of manufactures, and their 
promotion has been considered as a part of the policy 
of the United States." The United States at the close 
of this period, contained aboU 5,000,000 of inhabitants. 

J. ADAMs' ADMlbflSTRATION. 

In 1796, Mr. Adams was olected President, and con- 
tinued in the office four years. The principal events 
during this time, were — ^the difficullies with the French 
Government — the death of Washington, and the trans- 
fer of the seat of the national government to Washing- 
ton. The greater part of Mr. Adams' administration 
was the subject of much popular clamour, owing to 
several imprudent laws which were passed during his 
presidency. Such were the "■Alien" and '' Sedition 
Laws," the act for raising a standing army, and the act 
for imposing a direct tax, and internal duties. These 
causes, with some others, caused so much opposition to 
Mr. Adams, that it prevented his re-election to the pre- 
sidency 



25 

Jefferson's administration. 

Mr. Jefferson's administration commenced in 1801, 
and continued for eight years. The most prominent 
events during- this period were — the purchase of Louis- 
iana — the War ivith Tripoli — Burr's conspiracy, the 
outrage upon the Chesapeake, and the laying of an 
Embargo. 

The bitterness of party spirit during this time raged 
with some violence, and it interrupted in some degree 
that general harmony which it is always important to 
the welfare of our union to cultivate. Trade and com- 
merce progressed wnth great rapidity. The European 
nations being at war with each other, and the United 
States remaining neutral, our vessels carried to Europe 
the produce of our own country, and the produce of 
other countries. This is commonly called the carrying 
trade, and was very profitable to our citizens. After 
the year 1807, the commercial restraints laid by France 
by her Berlin and Milan decrees, and by Great Britain 
by her Orders in Council, began to curtail our trade, 
mid the Embargo laid by our Government at the close 
of the year interrupted it still more. — The Arts and 
Rlanufactures still progressed, and the population of the 
United States, at the close of Mr. Jefferson's adminis- 
tration, amounted to about 7,000,000. 

Madison's administration. 

On the 4th of March, 1809, Mr. Madison was inducted 
into the office of President, and continued in office 
eight years. This period was distinguished for the 
Second War with Great Britain. When Mr. Madison 
entered upon his office, the state of the country was in 
some respects gloomy and critical. France and England 
were at war, and they issued against each other the most 
violent commercial edicts, in violation of the laws of 
nations, and injurious to those nations who wished to re- 
main neutral. After a series of injurious and insulting 
acts, on the part of the government of Great Britain 
3 



26 

and its agents, the government of the United States 
declared. war against that power, June 18th, 1812, which 
continued about three years. 

The seat of war on the land, was principally on the 
frontiers of Canada, of which province it was the object 
of the Americans to take possession. The war at that 
point continued with various success on the part of the 
Americans and British. The Americans, however, were 
able to effect but little towards accomplishing the designs 
of their government. The situation of the contending 
parties at the close of the war was nearly the same as it 
was at the commencement ; on the ocean, however, it 
was different. The splendid success of the American 
navy in various engagements, raised it to a high eleva- 
tion, and taught her proud rival a lesson which will not 
be forgotten. During Mr. Madison's Presidency, in 
1816, a National Bank was established with a capital of 
thirty-five millions of dollars. 

Monroe's administration. 

Mr. Monroe commenced his administration in 1817. 
under many favourable circumstances,— the country was 
fast recovering from the depression of commerce and a 
three years' war. The political feuds, which had, since 
the revolution, occasioned so much animosity, were now^ 
gradually subsiding, and there appeared in the adminis- 
tration a disposition to remove old party prejudices, and 
to promote union among the people. A spirit of im- 
provement was spreading throughout the country : roads 
and canals were constructed in various parts of the union. 
The principal events which took place in Mr. Monroe's 
administration were — the war Avith the Seminole Indians 
• — the passage of an act by Congress granting a pension 
to the indigent officers and soldiers of the revolution — 
the cession of Florida to the United States by the Spanish 
government, and the visit of Gen. Lafayette to the United 
States. 



27 



J. Q. ADAMS ADMINISTRATION. 

Mr. Adams was elected President in 1825, and con- 
tinued in office four years. The principal events during 
tliis period were — the TrcaiynHlh Colombia — \hePayia- 
ina Mission, and the death of the two venerable patriarchs 
of the revolution, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, on 
the fiftieth anniversary of Independence. During this 
period, the people of the United States were divided into 
two parties in reference to the Presidential election : one 
party desirous of retaining Mr. Adams during another 
term of ofiice, the other upholding General Andre^\ 
Jackson as a suitable candidate for the office of Presi- 
dent. Party spirit now raged with violence, each party 
upholding their favourite candidate, and traducing the 
other. Upon counting the votes, it appeared that a large 
majority were in favour of Andrew Jackson; and on 
the 4th of March, 1829, he was inducted into the office 
of President of the United States, according to the form 
prescribed by the Constitution. 



INTERESTING EVENTS, &c. 

1. North American Indians. 

It has long been a question agitated among the learn- 
ed, how America was first peopled. The opinion best 
supported is, that the Indians of this country emigrated 
from the north-eastern parts of Asia, crossing over to this 
continent at Beering's Straits. It having been establish- 
ed, by the discoveries of Capt. Cook, that at Kamschatka, 
in about latitude 66 degs. north, the continents of Asia 
and America are separated by a strait only eighteen 
miles wide, and that the inhabitants on each continent 
are similar, and frequently pass and repass in canoes 
from one continent to another: from these and other 



28 

circumstances, it is rendered highly probable that 
America was first peopled from the north-east parts of 
Asia. 

But since the Esquimaux Indians are manifestly a 
separate species of men, distinct from all the nations of 
the American continent, in language, disposition, and 
habits of life ; and in all these respects bear a near re- 
semblance to the northern Europeans, it is believed that 
the Esquimaux Indians emigrated from the north- 
west parts of Europe. Several circumstances confirm 
this belief As early as the ninth century, the Norwe- 
gians discovered Greenland, and planted colonies there. 
The communication with the cotmtry, after a long in- 
terruption, was renewed by the Lutheran and Moravian 
missionaries, who, prompted by zeal for the propagation 
of the Christian religion, have ventured to settle in this 
frozen region. From them we learn that the north-west 
coast of Greenland is separated from America but by a 
very narrow strait, if separated at all; and that the Es- 
quimaux of America perfectly resemble the Greenlanders 
in their aspect, dress, mode of living, and, probably, lan- 
guage. By these decisive facts, not only the consan- 
guinity of the Esquimaux and the Greenlanders is esta- 
blished, but the possibility of peopling America from the 
north parts of Europe. On the whole, it appears rational to 
conclude, that the progenitors of all the American nations, 
from Cape Horn to the southern limits of Labrador, from 
the similarity of their aspect, colour, &c., migrated from 
the north-east parts of Asia ; and that the nations that 
inhabit Labrador and the parts adjacent, from their un- 
likeness to the rest of the American nations, and their 
resemblance to the northern Europeans, came over from 
the north-west parts of Europe.* 

With regard to the number of Indians inhabiting our 
country, at the time of the arrival of the European set- 
tlers, no correct estimate can be made ; but, according 
to the estimate of Dr. Trumbull, they could not much 
exceed 150,000, within the compass of the thirteen ori- 
ginal states. It is believed that they were formerly much 
« Dr. Morse. 



29 

more numerous, particularly on the Ohio river and its 
branches, and in New-England. 

A few years before the arrival of the Plymouth set- 
tlers, a very mortal sickness raged with great violence 
among the Indians inhabiting the eastern parts of New- 
England. " Whole towns were depopulated. The living 
were not able to bury the dead ; and their bones were 
found lying above ground many years after. The Mas- 
sachusetts Indians are said to have been reduced from 
30,000 to 300 fighting men. In 1633, the small pox 
swept off great numbers." 

The Indians of this country were divided into many 
small tribes, governed by their sachems, or kings, and 
were often at war with each other. 

In their persons, the Indians were tall, straight, and 
well proportioned ; in their councils, they were distin- 
guished for their gravity and eloquence; in Avar, for 
bravery, stratagem, and revenge. 

Hunting, fishing, and war, were the emplojonent of the 
men. The women were compelled to till the field and 
to perform the common drudgery of their domestic 
affairs. 

Their dress in summer consisted chiefly of a slight 
covering about the waist ; in winter they clothed them- 
selves with the skins of wild animals. 

They Avere extremely fond of ornaments, and on days 
of festivity and show, they Avere painted with A-arious 
colours, and profusely ornamented Avith shells, beads,and 
feathers. 

Their habitations, Avhich w^ere called by the English 
wigwams, Avere constructed by erecting a strong pole 
for the centre, around Avhich other poles, a foAv feet 
distant, Avcre driven, and fastened to the centre pole 
at the top, then covered Avith mats and bark of trees, 
Avhich rendered them a shelter from the Aveather. 

Their AA-arlike instruments and domestic utensils were 
fcAV and simple ; — a iomahaivl; or hatchet of stone, boAvs 
and arroAA's, sharp stones and shells, which they used 
for knives and hoes, and stone mortars for pounding 
their corn. For money they used small beads, curiously 
3* 



30 

wrought from shells, and strung on belts, or m chains, 
called tvampu7n. 

The Indians of this country were generally Polythe- 
ists, or believed in a plurality of gods. Some were con- 
sidered as local deities ; yet they believed that there was 
one Supreme God, or Great Spirit, the creator of the 
rest, and all creatures and things. Him the natives of 
New-England called Kichtan. They believed that 
good men, at death, ascended to Kichtan, above the 
heavens, where they enjoyed their departed friends and 
all good things ; that bad men also went and knocked 
at the gate of glory, but Kichtan bade them depart, for 
there was no place for such, whence they wandered 
in restless poverty. This Supreme Being they held to 
be good, and prayed to him when they desired any 
great fevour, and paid a sort of acknowledgment to him 
for plenty, victory, &c. The manner of worship in 
many tribes, was to sing and dance around a large 
fire. 

There was another power which they called Hobba- 
mock, in English, the Devil, of whom they stood in greater 
awe, and worshipped him merely from a principle of 
fear, and it is said that they sometimes even sacrificed 
their o^xn children to appease him.* They prayed to 
him to heal their wounds and diseases. When found 
curable, he was supposed to be the author of their com- 
plaints ; when they were mortal, they were ascribed to 
Kichtan, whose diseases none were able to remove ; 
therefore they never prayed to him in sickness. Their 
priests, which were called Powaws, and their chief war- 
riors, pretended often to see Hobbamock in the shape 
of a man, fawn, or eagle, but generally of a snake, who 
gave them advice in their difficult undertakings. The 
duty and office of the Powaws, was to pray to Hobba- 
mock for the removal of evils ; the common people said 
amen. In his prayer the Powaw promised skins, ket- 
tles, hatchets, beads, &c., as sacrifices, if his request 
should be granted. 

The apparent insensibility of the Indians under pains 
* Morse and Parish's Hist. 



31 

and wounds is well known ; yet they had awful appre- 
hensions of death. 

When sick, and all hope of recovery was gone, their 
bursting sobs and sighs, their wringing hands, their 
flowing tears, and dismal cries and shrieks, were enough 
to excite sympathy from the hardest heart. Their af- 
fection was very strong for their children, who by in- 
dulgence were saucy and undutiful. A father would 
sometimes, through grief and rage for the loss of a 
child, stab himself Some tribes of Indians would not 
allow of mentioning the name of a friend after death. 
When a person died, they generally buried him ■wdth 
his bow and arrows, dogs, and whatever Avas valuable 
to him Avhile living, supposing he would want them in 
another world, as their ideas of the happiness of heaven 
consisted in finding plenty of game, feasting, &c. 

Of their bravery and address in war we have many 
proofs. The fortitude, calmness, and even exultation 
which they manifest while under the extremest torture 
from the hand of their enemies, is in part owing to their 
savage insensibility, but more to their high notions 
of military glory, and their rude notions of future 
happiness, which they shall forfeit by the least ma- 
nifestation of fear, ' or uneasiness under their suffer- 
ings. They are sincere and faithful in their friend- 
ships, remembering the smallest favour done them to the 
latest period, but bitter and determined in their resent- 
ments, and often pursuing their enemies hundreds of 
miles through the wilderness, encountering every diffi- 
culty in order to be revenged. This spirit oftentimes 
descended from the father to the son, who felt bound to 
revenge the injuries done his father when living. In 
their public councils they observe the greatest decorum. 
In the foremost ranks sit the old men who are the coun- 
sellors of the tribe, the warriors, and next the women 
and children. " Their kindness and hospitality is sel- 
dom equalled by any civilized society. Their politeness 
in conversation is even carried to excess, since it does 
not allow them to contradict any thing that is assened 
in their presence." 



32 

The Indians appear to have distinct traditions of the 
creation and deluge, and some of their words, rites, and 
ceremonies, bear a strong affinity to those of the ancient 
Hebrews. 



2. Expeditions of Ferdinand de Soto and M. de la Salle. 

The Mississippi was first discovered by Ferdinand 
de Soto in 1541, and Father Hennepin, (a French Catho- 
lic Missionary,) and Monsieur de la Salle, were the first 
Europeans that traversed it. Soto had served under 
Pizarro in the conquest of Peru, with such reputation, 
that the King of Spain intrusted him with the govern- 
ment of Cuba, with the rank of General of Florida, 
and Marquis of the lands he should conquer. 

Soto collected a body of 900 foot and 350 horse, for 
an expedition into Florida, Avhere he landed in May, 
1539. From the Gulf of Mexico* he penetrated into 
the country northward, and wandered about in search 
of gold, exposed to famine, hardships, and the opposi- 
tion of the natives. He pursued his course north to 
the country inhabited by the Chickasaws, where he 
spent a winter. He then crossed the Mississippi, being 
the first European that had discovered that vast river. 
After a long march into the country westward, in which 
Soto died, the remains of his troops returned to the 
Mississippi. Here they built a number of small ves- 
sels, in which they sailed down the stream, and made 
the best of their way to Panuco, in Mexico, where they 
arrived in September, 1543. In this extraordinary ex- 
pedition of more than four years' duration, in search of 
gold in the wilderness, and among hostile savages, more 
than half the men perished.* 

Father Hennepin, a missionary of the Franciscan 
order, and M. de la Salle, Avith a party of men, em- 
barked from Fort Frontenac, in Canada, in Nov. 1678. 
After having passed through Lakes Ontario, Erie, Hu- 
♦ Webster's Elements of Useful Knowledge, Vol. I. 



33. 

ron, and Michigan, and carried their canoes over land 
to the head of the Illinois river, Hennepin passed down 
to the mouth of the Mississippi. He set out upon his 
return to Canada, where he arrived in 1681, after hav- 
ing passed through many hardships and difficulties in 
this perilous enterprise among the savages, who for 
some time detained him as a prisoner. 

M. de la Salle returned to France ; and from the flat- 
tering account he gave of the country, and the advan- 
tages that would accrue from settling a colony in those 
parts, Louis XV. was induced to establish a company 
for that purpose. Salle embarked, with an intention to 
^ttle near the mouth of the Mississippi. But through 
mistake, he sailed 100 leagues to the westward of it, 
where he attempted to settle a colony ; but through the 
unfavourableness of the climate, most of his men mise- 
rably perished, and he himself was villanously mur- 
dered, not long after, by two of his own men. 



3. Introduction of the use of Tobacco. 

This singular native American plant, appears to have 
been used by the Indians in all parts of America. It 
is said it was first discovered by the Spaniards, in 1520, 
near the town of Tabasco, in Mexico. The Mexicans 
used it copiously, not only in smoke in the mouth, but 
also in snuff at the nose. 

" In order to smoke it," says the historian, " they put 
the leaves, with the gum of liquid amber, and other hot 
odorous herbs, into a little pipe of reed or wood, or 
some other more valuable substance. They received 
the smoke by sucking the pipe, and shutting the nostrils 
with their fingers, so that it might pass more easily by 
the breath into the lungs." It was such a luxury that 
the lords of Mexico were accustomed to compose them- 
selves to sleep with it. 

In the account of Cartier's voyage in 1535, Ave find it 
used in Canada: it is thus described :—" There grow 



34 

eth a certaine kind of herbe, Avhereof in sommer they 
make great provision for all the yeer, making great ac- 
count of it, and onely men use of it, and first they cause 
it to be dried in the sunne, then were it about their necks 
wrapped in a little beast's skinne, made like a little bagge, 
with a hollow piece of stone or wood like a pipe : then 
when they please they make a pouder of it, and then 
put it in one of the ends of said cornet, or pipe, and lay- 
ing a cole of fire upon it, at the other ende, sucke so 
long that they fill their bodies full of smoke, till it cometh 
out of their mouth and nostrils, even as put of the tonnell 
of a chimney." 

Tobacco was carried into England from Virginia, by 
Mr. Lane, in 1536. Sir Walter Raleigh, a man of gay- 
ety and fashion, adopted the Indian usage of smoking, 
and by his interest and example, introducing it at court, 
the pipe soon became fashionable. It was in vain that 
parliament discouraged the use of this ''vile Indian 
weed.^' In vain King James assured his subjects, that 
the custom of smoking it was loathsome to the eyes, 
hateful to the nose, harmful to the brain, and dangerous 
to the lungs. Opposition made proselytes ; and the 
united influence of fashion and habit, extended the prac- 
tice through the kingdom.* 

Tobacco was first cultivated by the English in Vir- 
ginia, about the year 1616 ; — from that time to the pre- 
sent, it has ever been one of the staple productions of 
that state. 



4. Settlement of Jamestoum, Va. 

" North America was discovered in a period when 
the Arts and Sciences had made very considerable pro- 
gress in Europe. Many of the first adventurers were 
men of genius and learning, and were carefiil to pre- 
serve authentic records of such of their proceedings as 
would be interesting to posterity. These records afford 
* Holmes' Annals. 



35 

ample documents for American historians. Perhaps no 
people on the globe, can trace the history of their origin 
and progress with so much precision, as the inhabitants 
of North America ; particularly that part of them who 
inhabit the territory of the United States." 

The first European who discovered the coast of the 
United States, was John Cabot, a Venetian, who was 
employed by Henry VII. of England to make discove- 
ries. What is now called the Island of Newfoundland 
was first seen by him, and sailing thence in a westerly 
direction, he ranged the coast to Florida. This was in 
the year 1497 — about five years after the first discove- 
ries of Columbus. 

In 1584, Q,ueen Elizabeth of England, by patent, 
granted to Sir Walter Raleigh authority to discover, 
occupy, and govern " remote, heathen, and barbarous 
countries." Under this commission, two ships com- 
manded by Amidas and Barlow, arrived in America in 
July, 1584. These men landed at Roanoke, and took 
possession of the country for the crown of England, 
calling it Virginia, in honour of the virgin Queen. The 
next year a company of 107 adventurers, under Sir 
Richard Grenville, came over to Virginia, and fixed 
their residence on the islands of Roanoke. The settlers 
were left here under the command of Mr. Lane. It 
appears that these persons, by rambling into the country 
without due caution, or provoking the Indians by their 
lawless conduct, many of them were killed by the na- 
tives, while others perished by want. The survivors 
were taken to England the next year by Sir Francis 
Drake. In a fortnight, however, after they had departed, 
Sir Richard Grenville arrived with provisions, and an 
additional number of colonists. Not finding the former 
colonists, he left a few of his people, and returned to 
England. A third expedition, in 1587, went out under 
Mr. White with 1 15 persons, who were left at Roanoke. 
Three years had elapsed before Gov. White arrived with 
supplies and an additional number of colonists. Upon 
their arrival, they found no Englishmen, and it was 
evident they had been slain by the savages, or perished 



36 

by hunger. The last adventurers returned disheartened, 
and all farther attempts to establish a colony at that time 
were laid aside. 

Under the authority of the first patent, Capt. Chris- 
topher Newport was sent out by the London Company, 
with a number of adventurers, who entered Chesapeake 
bay after a voyage of four months, — sailed into the 
Powhattan, or James River, and landed 150 colonists, 
who began a plantation at Jamestown. Newport re- 
turned to England, and the next year carried 120 per- 
sons, Avith supplies of provisions. 

In 1609, Sir George Somers and Sir Thomas Gates, 
with 500 adventurers, sailed for Virginia, and finding 
the colony reduced by sickness and want, they resolved 
to abandon the country, and actually sailed for England. 
But meeting the next day Lord Delaware with fresh 
supplies, they returned, and established the first perma- 
nent English Colony in North America. 



5. Pocahoyitas. 

Among the most enterprising and brave of the Vir- 
ginia settlers, was Capt. John Smith. Under pretext of 
commerce, he was drawn into an ambush of a numer- 
ous body of Indians, who seized and carried him in 
triumph to Powhattan their king. Powhattan sentenced 
him to death. — Capt. Smith was led out, and his head 
placed Upon a large stone, to receive the fatal blow. At 
this moment, Pocahontas, the youngest and darling 
daughter of Powhattan, then thirteen years old, rushed 
to the spot where Capt. Smith lay, threw her arms about 
his neck, and placed her own head on his, declaring that 
if the cruel sentence was executed, the first blow should 
fall on her. The sachem was moved — yielded to the 
entreaties of his daughter, and consented to spare his 
victim upon the conditions of a ransom. The ransom 
was paid — Capt. Smith was then released, and retur^gd, 
unhurt, to Jamestown. 




III /SnT, ('iiftt.ynviiurt Iniutfil l,%n m'tller.' nl .Iame9loHn.\'ir. if/ii' Ivtimi //ir 
firfl iirtniituftit Jlrilish fi'ttlrweiit in .\'i'r//i Jtinrini . 




ILA^ODIR© AT FiLloMroinrM 

T/ii- "I'ilf/nm Fatlurs" iaiu1(if oti t/if 22iiil of nfinnlvr, I620imuf hfifiin 
thf first Kiiijtish .irtllenietit in Xe\r Kiujlmid 



37 

In 1609, two or three years after Pocahontas saved 
the life of Capt. Smith, Powhattan formed a horrid 
scheme for the entire destruction of the colony at James- 
town: His project was to attack them in time of peace, 
and cut the throats of the whole colony. 

In a dark and stormy night, Pocahontas, like an angel 
of mercy, hastened alone to Jamestown, and discovered 
the inhuman plot of her father. The colonists, thus 
warned, took proper measures to repel the insidious 
attack. 

Soon after this. Governor Dale concluded a treaty of 
friendship with the Powhattans, one of the most power- 
ful tribes in Virginia. This important event for the co- 
lonies was brought about by means not very honourable 
to the governor. Pocahontas, who had saved the life 
of Capt. Smith, persevered in her attachment to the 
English, and frequently visited the settlements. On one 
of these occasions, she was decoyed on board a vessel, 
and there held in confinement. Her father, who loved 
her with ardent affection, was now obliged to discontinue 
hostilities, and conclude a treaty on such terms as the 
colonists dictated. The beauty of Pocahontas made 
such an impression on Mr. Rolfe, a young gentleman 
of rank, that he offered her his hand in marriage. Her 
father consented to the union, and the marriage was 
celebrated with great pomp ; and from that period har- 
mony prevailed between the colony and the tribes sub- 
ject to Powhattan, or that were under the influence of 
his power. Rolfe and his princess went to England, 
and was received at court with the respect due her birth. 
Here she embraced the Christian religion, and was 
baptized by the name of Rebecca. She died at Graves- 
end, in 1617, as she Avas on the point of embarking for 
America. "She left one son: from whom are sprung 
some of the most respectable fiimilies in Virginia ; who 
boast of their descent from this celebrated female, the 
daughter of the ancient rulers of the country." 
4 



33 



6. Plymouth Settlers. 

The colony of Plymouth, Mass., (the first European 
settlement in New-England,) was planted principally for 
the sake of the free and undisturbed enjoyment of reli- 
gious and civil liberty. The colonists were originally 
from the north of England, and were of that class of 
people in those days called Puritans, so named from 
their uncommon zeal in endeavouring to preserve the 
purity of divine worship. 

Being persecuted by their enemies, during the reign 
of James I., they fled with their pastor to Amsterdam, 
in Holland, in 1608. They afterwards removed to Ley- 
den, where they remained till they sailed for America. 

Having resolved upon a removal, they procured two 
small ships, and repaired to Plymouth, (Eng.,) and from 
thence they proceeded about 100 leagues on their voyage, 
when they were compelled to return, in consequence of 
one of the ships being leaky. The ship was condemned, 
and the other, called the May Flower, being crowded 
with passengers, again put to sea, September 6 : on the 
9th of November, after a dangerous passage, they ar- 
rived at Cape Cod, and the next day anchored in the 
harbour which is formed by the hook of the cape. 

Before they landed, having devoutly given thanks to 
God for their safe arrival, they formed themselves into 
a " body politic," and chose Mr. John Carver their Go- 
vernor for the first year. 

The next object was, to fix on a convenient place for 
settlement. In doing this, they encountered many diffi- 
culties — many of them were sick, in consequence of the 
fatigues of a long voyage — their provisions were bad — 
the season was uncommonly cold — ^the Indians, though 
afterwards friendly, were now hostile — and they were 
unacquainted Avith the coast. These difficulties they 
surmounted, and on the 22d of Decembej, 1620, they 
safely landed at a place which they named Plymouth. 
The anniversary of their landing is still celebrated, by 
the descendants of the Pilgrims^ as a religious festival. 



39 

The whole company that landed consisted of but 101 
souls. Their situation and prospects were truly dismal 
and discouraging. The nearest European settlement 
was 500 miles distant, and utterly incapable of affording 
them relief in time of famine or danger. Wherever they 
turned their eyes, distress was before them. " Persecuted 
in their native land — grieved for the profanation of the 
holy Sabbath, and other liceritiousness in Holland — fa- 
tigued by their long and boisterous voyage — forced on 
a dangerous and unknown shore in the advance of a 
cold winter — surrounded with hostile barbarians, with- 
out any hope of human succour — denied the aid or fa- 
vour of the court of England — without a patent — without 
a public promise of the peaceable enjoyment of their re- 
ligious liberties — Avithout convenient shelter from the 
rigours of the weather. Such were the prospects, and 
such the situation of these pious and solitary Christians. 
To add to their distress, a very mortal sickness prevail- 
ed among them, which swept off forty-six of their num- 
ber before the ensuing spring. 

" To support them under these trials, they had need 
of all the aids and comforts which Christianity affords; 
and these were found sufficient. The free and unmo- 
lested enjoyment of their religion, reconciled them to 
their lonely situation — they bore their hardships with 
unexampled patience, and persevered in their pilgrimage 
of almost unparalleled trials, with such resignation and 
calmness, as gave proof of great piety and unconquer- 
able virtue." 



7. Discovery of Indian Corn. 

Before the settlers landed at Plymouth, they sent out 
a number of parties to explore the country. One of these 
parties consisted of sixteen men, under Captain Miles 
Standish. In their route, they discovered several small 
hillocks, which they conjectured to be the graves of the 
Indians; but, proceeding still farther, they discovered 



40 

many more, and, on closer, examination, each hillock 
was found to contain a considerable quantity of Indian 
Corn ! It was buried in the ear, and excited no small 
degree of their curiosity. By a few of the company it 
was thought a valuable discovery; others, who had 
tasted the corn in its raw state, thought it indifferent 
food, and of but little value. 

This corn served them for seed in the ensuing spring. 
They were instructed by Squanto* a friendly Indian, 
how to raise it, and it was probably the means of pre- 
serving^ them from famine. 



8. Massasoit, the Indian Sachem. 

The infant colony of Plymouth was much indebted to 
the friendship and influence of Massasoit, a powerful 
prince, or sachem, in those paits. About three months 
after their establishment, they received a visit from Mas- 
sasoit, with sixty of his men. They were conducted to 
the Governor, who received them with military parade. 
The Governor and Massasoit kissed each other's hands, 
as a salutation, and both sat down. '' Stroiig water''' was 
then given to the sachem, " who drank a great draught, 
that made him sweat all the while after." After eating, 
they entered into a friendly treaty. They agreed to 
avoid injuries on both sides, to restore stolen goods, to 
assist each other in all just wars, and to endeavour to 
promote peace and harmony among their neighbours. 

* This fnend of the Enghsh was one of the twenty Indians whom 
a Capt. Hunt perfidiously carried to Spain, where he sold them for 
slaves ; whence he found his way to London, and afterwards to his 
native country, with tlK3 Plymouth colony. Forgetting the perfidy of 
those who sold him a captive, he was a warm friend to the English 
till the day of his death. He rendered an essential service to the 
English, by inspiring his countrymen with a dread of their power. 
One of the arts he used for this purpose, was his informing the na- 
tives, that the English kept the plague buried in a cellar, which was 
their magazine of powder, which they could send forth to the destruc- 
tion of Indians, while they remained at home. He died in 1622. A 
few days before his death, he desired the Governor to pray that he 
alight go to the "Englishman's God" in heaven. 



' i 



41 

This treaty was faithfully observed by Massasoit and 
liis successors, for more than forty years. At the time 
of the treaty, he is described as "a very lusty man, in 
his best years ; an able man, grave of countenance and 
spare of speech ; in his attire, little or nothing different 
from the rest of his followers, only in a great chain of 
Avhite bone beads about his neck"; and at it, behind his 
neck, hangs a little bag of tobacco. His face was painted 
with a sad red, like murrey, and oiled both head and face, 
that he looked greasy. All his followers likewise were, 
in their faces, in part or in whole, painted, some black, 
some red, some yellow, and some white; some with 
crosses and other antic works. Some had skins on 
them, and some naked; all tall and strong men in ap- 
pearance. The king had in his bosom, hanging in a 
string, a great long knife." 

In the year 1623, Massasoit was taken sick, and sent 
information of it to the Governor, who sent two of his 
friends to make him a visit. Their visit, and the pre- 
sents which they brought, were gratifying to Massasoit, 
and the medicines they administered were successful in 
restoring his health. Gratitude for their kindness 
prompted him to disclose a conspiracy of the Indians, 
which had for its object the total destruction of the Eng- 
lish. This timely notice averted the calamity. 



9. Exploits of Capt. Stayidish. 

Capt. Miles Standish, the hero of New-England, came 
over with the first Plymouth settlers, in 1620. He was 
allied to the noble house of Standish of Lancashire, 
(Eng.,) and was heir apparent to a great estate, unjustly 
detained from him, which compelled him to depend on 
himself for support. 

" He was small in stature, but of an active spirit, a 

sanguine temper, and a strong constitution." These 

qualites led him to the profession of arms. He entered 

into the service of Q.ueen Elizabeth, in the aid of the 

4* 



42 

Dutch, — and after the truce, he settled with Mr. Robin- 
son's people, in Leyden. When they emigrated to Ameri- 
ca, he commanded the detachment for making discove- 
ries after their arrival. He was chosen by the settlers 
as their military commander, and has since been con- 
sidered as the Washington of the Plymouth colony. 

One of the most celebrated exploits was the breaking 
up of a plot, in 1623, which the Indians had formed to 
murder the English settlers at Wessagusset, now Wey- 
mouth. The Governor of Plymouth having learned 
from Massasoit the plot of the natives, sent Capt. Stand- 
ish to their relief, and, if a plot should be discovered, to 
fall on the conspirators. Standish made choice of eight 
men, refusing to take any more. When he arrived at 
Wessagusset,' he found the settlers scattered, and in- 
sensible of the destruction which awaited them. Stand* 
ish was careful not to excite the jealousy of the natives 
till he could assemble the people of the plantation. An 
Indian brought him some furs, whom he treated " smooth- 
ly," yet the Indian reported that he " saw by the Cap- 
tain's eyes that he was angry in his heart." This in- 
duced Pecksuot, a chief of courage, to tell Hobbamock, 
Standish's guide and interpreter, that he " understood 
the Captain had come to kill him and the rest of the 
Indians there ; but tell him," said he, " we know it, 
but fear him not ; neither will we shun him ; let him 
begin when he dare, he shall not take us unawares." 
Others whetted their knives before him, using insulting 
gestures and speeches. Pecksuot, being a man of great 
stature, said to Standish, " Though you are a great 
captain, yet you are but a little man ; and though I be no 
sachem, yet I am a man of great strength and courage." 
The next day, seeing he could get no more of them to- 
gether, Pecksuot, and Wittowamat, and his brother, a 
youth of eighteen, and one Indian more, being together, 
and having about so many of his own men in the room, 
he gave the loord, the door was fast ; he seized Peck- 
suot, snatched his knife from him, and killed him with 
it ; the rest killed Wittowamat and the other Indian. 
The youth they took and hanged. Dreadful was the 








tihoui tfu- yatr lfi4t: -I'nwf.tn^d .tnJ suj^ss/itl till fas dt^A in I690. 



43 

scene; incredible the niimber of wounds they bore; 
without any noise, catching at the weapons, and striving 
till death.* 



10. First Settlements in Connecticut. 

In 1635, October 15th, about sixty men, women, and 
children, from Dorchester, Mass., with their horses, and 
cattle, and swine, took up their march across the wilder- 
ness to Connecticut River. Their dangerous journey, 
over mountains and rivers, and through swamps, they 
were two weeks in performing. " The forests through 
which they passed, for the first time resounded with the 
praises of God. They prayed and sang psalms and 
hymns ; the Indians following them in silent admiration." 
It was so late in the season when they reached the place 
(now called Windsor) of their destination, that they 
were unable to find feed for their cattle, most of which 
died the ensuing winter. 

Disappointed in receiving their provisions, famine 
threatened them ; and those who remained through the 
winter, were obliged to subsist on acorns, malt, and 
grains. 

The congregation at Newton, (now Cambridge,) con- 
sisting of about one hundred men, women, and children, 
with the Rev. Mr. Hooker, their pastor, at their head, 
also emigrated more than one hundred miles, through 
a howling wilderness, to Hartford. They had no guide 
but their compass : on their way they subsisted on milk, 
for they drove before them one hundred and sixty head 
of cattle. They were obliged to carry Mrs. Hooker 
upon a litter. 

They began a plantation, and called it Newtown, 
which name was afterwards exchanged for Hartford. 

In the fall of 1637, a small party from Massachusetts 
journeyed to Connecticut to explore the lands and 
harbours on the sea-coast. They chose Quinnipiac for 
• Morse and Parish's Hist. 



44 

the place of their settlement, and erected a poor hut, in 
which a few men subsisted throug-h the winter. And 
on the 30th of March following, a large party sailed 
from Boston for Quinnipiac, where they arrived in 
about two weeks. This began the settlement of New- 
Haven. 



11. Blue Laws of Connecticut. 

The following is a transcript of the principal part of 
the celebrated judicial code, known by the name of Blue 
Laws, under which, it is said, the first colonists of Con- 
necticut remained for a considerable time. They are as 
follows : 

" The Governor and magistrates, convened in general 
assembly, are the supreme power, under God, of this 
independent dominion. 

From the determination of the assembly no appeal 
shall be made. 

The Governor is amenable to the voice of the people. 

The Governor shall have only a single vote in de- 
termining any question, except a casting vote when the 
assembly may be equally divided. 

The assembly of the people shall not be dismissed by 
the Governor, but shall dismiss itself 

Conspiracy against this dominion shall be punished 
with death. 

Whoever attempts to change or overturn this do- 
minion, shall suffer death. 

The Judges shall determine controversies without a 
Jury. 

No one shall be a freeman, or give a vote, unless he 
be converted, or a member in free communion in one of 
the churches in this dominion. 

No food or lodging shall be afforded to a Quaker, 
Adamite, or other heretic. 

No one shall cross a river without an authorized ferry 
man. 



45 

No one shall run of a Sabbath day, or walk in his 
garden, or elsewhere, except reverently to and from the 
church. 

No one shall travel, cook victuals, make beds, sweep 
houses, cut hair, or shave, on the Sabbath day. 

No Avoman shall kiss her child on the Sabbath or 
fasting day. 

A person accused of trespass in the night, shall be 
judged guilty, unless he clear himself by his oath. 

No one shall buy or sell lands without permission of 
the select men. 

Whoever publishes- a lie to the prejudice of his neigh- 
bour, shall sit in the stocks, or be Avhipped fifteen stripes. 

Whoever wears clothes trimmed with silver, or bone 
lace, above two shillings a yard, shall be presented by 
the grand jurors, and the select men shall tax the offender 
at the rate of 300^. estate. 

Whoever brings cards or dice into this dominion shall 
pay a fine of 51. 

No one shall read Common Prayer, keep Christmas 
or Saint's day, make minced pies, dance, play cards, or 
play on any instrument of music, except the drum, the 
trumpet, and jeAvs-harp. 

When parents refuse their children suitable mar- 
riages, the magistrates shall determine the point. 

The select men, on finding children ignorant, may 
take them away from their parents and put them into bet- 
ter hands, at the expense of the parents. 

A rnan that strikes his wife shall pay a fine of 10/. ; a 
woman that strikes her husband shall be punished as the 
court directs. 

Married persons must live together, or be imprisoned. 

Every male shall have his hair cut round according to 
a cap." 

This curious code appears never to have been written, 
but was declared and interpreted by the select men, the 
judges, and the pastors of the different congregations.* 

In 1647 the colony of Connecticut passed a law for 
the regulation or suppression of the use of tobacco. It 
• Analectic Magazine, vol. 4, p, 57. 



46 

was ordered by the general Assembly " That no per- 
son under the age of twenty, or any other who had not 
already accustomed himself to the use of it, should take 
any tobacco until he had obtained a certificate from un- 
der the hand of an approved physician that it was use- 
ful for him, and until he had also obtained a license 
from the court. All others, who had addicted themselves 
to the use of it, were prohibited from taking it in any 
company, or at their labours, or in travelling, unless ten 
miles, at least, from any company ; and though not in 
company not more than once a day, upon pain of six-pence 
for every such offence. One substantial witness was 
to be sufficient proof of the crime. The Constables of 
the several towns were to make presentments to the par- 
ticular courts, and it was ordered that the fine should 
be paid without gainsaying." 

In 1658, the general court of New-Haven passed a 
severe law against the Quakers. They introduced their 
law with this preamble — " Whereas there is a cursed 
sect of heretics lately sprung up in the Avorld, commonly 
called Quakers, who take upon them that they are im- 
mediately sent from God, and infallibly assisted by the 
Spirit, who yet speak and write blasphemous opinions, 
despise government, and the order of God in church 
and commonwealth, speaking evil of dignities, &c.," 
ordered — " That whosoever shall bring, or cause to be 
brought, any known Quaker or Quakers, or other blas- 
phemous heretics, shall forfeit the sum of 501." Also, 
" If any Quaker come into this jurisdiction on civil 
business, the time of his stay shall be limited by the civil 
authority, and he shall not use any means to corrupt or 
seduce others ; on his first arrival he shall appear be- 
fore the magistrate, and from him have license to pass 
on to his business. And (for the better prevention of 
hurt to the people) have one or more to attend upon them 
at their charge, &c." 

The penalties, in case of disobedience, were, whip- 
ping, imprisonment, labour, and a deprivation of all con- 
verse with any person. For the second offence, the 
person was to be branded in the hand with the letter 



47 

H — to suffer imprisonment — and to be put to labour. 
For the third, to be branded in the other hand, impri- 
soned, &c. as before. For the fourth, the offender was 
to have his tongue bored through with a red hot iron — 
imprisoned — and kept to labour, until sent away at their 
own charge. Any person who should attempt to de- 
fend the sentiments of the Quakers, was, for the third 
offence, sentenced to banishment.* 



12. Earthquakes. 

The first Earthquake since the settlement of this 
country, took place in New England, on the first day 
of June, 1638. The earth shook with such violence, 
that in some places, the people could not stand, without 
difficulty, in the streets; and most moveable articles in 
their houses were thrown down.f It occurred between 
the hours of three and four, P. M. The weather was 
clear and warm, and the wind westerly. " It came with 
a noise like continued thunder, or the rattling of coaches 
in London, but was presently gone." It was felt at 
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Narraganset, Piscataqua, 
and the circumjacent parts. It fhook the ships Avhich 
rode in Boston harbour, and all the adjacent islands. 
" The noise and shaking continued about four minutes. 
The earth was unquiet twenty days after by times."| 

On Jan. 6th, 1663, a great earthquake was felt in the 
northern parts of America. It was felt throughout New 
England and New Netherlands, (now New York;) but 
Canada was the chief seat of its concussions. It be- 

• Though these severe laws cannot be .justified, yet we ought to 
make much allowance for the fraincrs of these laws: they endured 
many hardship.^, privations, and sufierings, in order to establish a 
settlement in the wilderness, and a civil and religious government, 
under which they could enjoy their civil aud religious privileges in 
peace and tranquillity. The principles of the Quakers were con- 
sidered by the Colonists not only as destructive to true religion, but 
also destructive to their civil government, and hazarding their ex- 
istenc." as a people. 

t Holmes' Annals. t Winthrop's Journal, 



48 

gan there about half past five o'clock, P. M. While 
the heavens were serene, there was suddenly heard a 
roar like that of fire. The buildings were shaken with 
violence. " The doors opened and shut themselves — 
the bells rang without being touched — the walls split 
asunder — the floors separated and fell down — the fields 
put on the appearance of precipices — and the mountains 
seemed moving out of their places." The first shock 
continued nearly half an hour. Several violent shocks 
succeeded this the same evening, and the next day ; nor 
did the earthquake cease till the following July. The 
effects of the first, in January, were remarkable. " Many 
fountains and small streams were dried up. In others, 
the water became sulphurous. Many trees were torn 
up, and thrown to a considerable distance ; and some 
mountains appeared to be much moved and broken." 

On the 29th of October, 1727, there was a great earth- 
quake in New England. This earthquake commenced 
with a heavy rumbling noise about half past ten o'clock, 
P. M. when the weather was perfectly calm and tranquil. 
The motion was undulatory. Its violence caused the 
houses to shake and rock, as if they were falling to 
pieces. Stone walls, and the tops of several chimneys, 
were shaken down. The duration appears to have 
been about two minutes. Its course appears to have 
been from northeast to southwest. 

The most violent earthquake ever known in this 
country, took place November 18th, 1755. It was felt 
at Boston a little after four o'clock, in a serene and plea- 
sant night, and continued nearly four and a half minutes. 
In Boston, about one hundred chimneys were levelled 
with the roofs of the houses ; and about fifteen hundred 
shattered and thrown down in part. Many clocks were 
stopped. " At New-Haven, the ground, in many places, 
seemed to rise like the sea ; and the houses shook and 
cracked." The motion of the earthquake was undula- 
tory. Its course was nearly from northwest to southeast. 

Slight shocks of earthquakes have occurred in many 
instances since the first settlement of this country. 




h Ili.lT. Ciifilams i/iism .am/ ThiifrhilJ int/t »0 tiini.lnhmt Iwlf llir tvrrr i-flhf \ 
lolrnv oflmiierlieiil) fifslroyeil thfPnfwf fort, ivul MM iihmit Jnfl huhmu. j 




Oil Iht mtli.or l)n:l<ii.!. In lliU nlhiik. ithml U'fl hultnii warrifirs f>fri»hnl. 
mill llir InSivi fwirr in Xrir Kni/lnm/ rfirirei/ an iiirm-rrable hUm-. 



49 



13. Indian Cunning and Sagacity. 

The Indians have ever been remarkable for their 
cunning and sagacity. 

The following will serve to illustrate this part of their 
character. 

A Pequot Indian, in time of war, was pursued by a 
Narraganset. Finding it difficult to escape, he had re- 
course to the following stratagem. Retiring behind a 
rock, he elevated his hat upon his gun just above the 
rock, so that nothing but his hat appeared. The Nar- 
raganset, who Avas some distance off, perceiving this, 
crept up softly, within a few feet, and fired, and supposed 
that he had shot his enemy through the head. But he 
soon found out his mistake, for the Pequot immediately 
sprung around the rock, and shot him before he had 
time to load his gun. 

Such is the sagacity and habits of nice observation 
which an Indian possesses, that it is said, he can tell 
whether his enemy has passed any place — will discern 
foot-marks which an European could not see ; he will 
tell what tribe it was, and what were their numbers. 

On the smoothest grass, on the hardest earth, and 
even on the very stones, will he discern traces. In the 
pursuit of game th.iiy will track their prey in the same 
manner, and see which way to go in pursuit. 



14. Expedition against the Pequots. 

The year 1637 is memorable in the history of Con- 
necticut for the war with the Pequot Indians — one of 
the most warlike and haughty tribes in New England. 
Previous to the breaking out of the war, the Pequots 
had much annoyed the English, and murdered a num- 
ber of them, whereupon a court was summoned at 
Hartford who determined upon a war with the Pequots. 
Ninety men were mustered from the towns of Hartford, 
5 



50 

Windsor, and Wethersfield, being about half of the 
effective force of the whole colony. This expedition 
was commanded by Capt. Mason, assisted by Capt. 
Underbill. Previous to their marching, the Rev. Mr. 
Hooker, of Hartford, addressed them in the following 
manner : 

" Fellow Soldiers, Countrymen, and Companions, you 
are this day assembled by the special Providence of 
God ; you are not collected by wild fancy, nor ferocious 
passions. It is not a tumultuous assembly, whose ac- 
tions are aborted, or if successful, produce only theft, 
rapine, rape, and murder : crimes inconsistent with 
nature's light, inconsistent with a soldier's valour. 
You, my dear hearts, were selected from your neigh- 
bours, by the godly fathers of the land, for your known 
courage to execute such a work. 

" Your cause is the cause of heaven ; the enemy 
have blasphemed your God, and slain his servants; you 
are only the ministers of his justice. I do not pretend 
that your enemies are careless or indifferent; no, their 
hatred is inflamed, their lips thirst for blood; they 
would devour you, and all the people of God; but, my 
brave soldiers, their guilt has reached the clouds; they 
are ripe for destruction ; their cruelty is notorious ; and 
cruelty and cowardice are always united. 

" There is nothing, therefore, to prevent your certain 
victory, but their nimble feet, their impenetrable SA\-amps 
and wciods : from these your small numbers will entice 
them, or your courage drive them. I now put the 
question — Who would not fight in such a cause? fight 
with undaunted boldness ? Do you wish for more en- 
couragement ? more I give you. Riches awaken the 
soldier's sword; and though you will not obtain silver 
and gold on the field of victory, you will secure what 
is indefinitely more precious ; you will secure the liber- 
ties, the privileges, and the lives of Christ's Church in 
this ?iew u'orld. 

" You will procure safety for your affectionate wives, 
safety for your prattling, harmless, smiling babes ; you 
will secure all the blessings enjoyed by the people of 



51 

God in the ordinances of the gospel. Distinguished 
was the honour conferred upon David, for fighting the 
battles of the Lord : this honour, O ye courageous sol- 
diers of God, is now prepared for you. You will now 
execute his vengeance on the heathen ; you will bind 
their kings in chains, and their nobles in fetters of iron. 

"But perhaps some one may fear that a fatal arrow 
may deprive him of this honour. Let every faithful 
soldier of Jesus Christ be assured, that if any servant 
be taken away, it is merely because the honours of this 
world are too narrow for his reward; an everlasting 
crown is set upon his head, because the rewards of this 
life arc insufficient. March, then, with Christian cou- 
rage, in the strength of the Lord ; march with faith in 
his divine promises, and soon your swords shall find 
your enemies ; soon they shall fall like leaves of the 
forest under your feet." 

Being now joined by Uticas, the sachem of the Mohe- 
gans, they all proceeded down the river to Saybrook, 
where they formed their plan of operations. It was 
determined to attack the enemy in one of their principal 
forts, (in the present towTi of Stonington,) where Sassa- 
cus, their chief sachein, had retired. Previous to the 
attack, Capt. Mason was joined by about five hundred 
Narraganset Indians, who, when they understood that 
they were to fight Sassacus, betrayed much fear, and 
retired to the rear, saying, " Sassacus was all one a god, 
and nobody could kill him.^' 

The time fixed at length arrived — the dawn of the 
26th of May, which was to decide the fate of the colony 
of Connecticut. The barking of a dog, when within a 
few rods of the fort, announced their approach, and 
aroused the Pequot sentinel, who cried out, Oipannux! 
Owannux! i. e. Englishmen ! Englishmen! The cap- 
tains, followed by their men, courageously pressed for- 
ward, found an entrance, and fired upon the enemy in 
the fort, who made a desperate resistance. The de- 
struction of the Pequots was terrible, j-et the victory 
seemed doubtful. Captain Mason (who with his men 
were now nearly exhausted) seized a firebrand, and set 



52 

fire to a wigwam, of whicli there were many in the 
fort, covered with mats, and other combustible materials. 
The fire, assisted by the wind, spread rapidly, and di- 
rectly the whole fort was in a flame. The roar and 
crackling of the flames, with the yells of savages, and 
the discharge of musketry, formed an awful and terrific 
scene! The troops who had now formed outside of the 
fort, with the friendly Indians, who had by this time 
gathered courage to approach, surrounded the enemy, 
and fired upon those who attempted to escape. 

The work of destruction was complete; of five or six 
hundred Pequots, only seven or eight escaped — the rest 
were either shot or perished in the flames. The loss 
of the English was only two killed, and sixteen wounded. 



15. Elliot, the Indian Missionary. 

In 1650, the society in England, instituted for propa- 
gating the gospel, began a correspondence with the 
commissioners of the colonies of New-England, Avho 
were employed as agents of the society. In conse- 
quence, exertions were made to christianize the Indians. 
Mr. John Elliot, minister of Roxbury, distinguished 
himself in this pious work. He collected the Indian 
families, and established towns ; he taught them hus- 
bandry, the mechanic arts, and a prudent management 
of their affairs, and instructed them with unwearied 
attention, in the principles of Christianity. For his 
uncommon zeal and success, he has been called the 
Apostle of New-Englayid. 

Mr. Elliot began his labours about the year 1646. 
His first labour was to learn the language, which was 
peculiarly diflicult to acquire ; for instance, the Indian 
word Nammatchechodtantamoonganuiinonash, signifies 
no more in English than our lusts.* Elliot having 
finished a grammar of this tongue, at the clo.se of which 
he wrote, " Prayers and pains through faith in Jesus 
♦ Mather's Magnalia, Vol. L 



53 

Christ ii'ill do any fltins:!" With very great labour he 
translated the whole Bible into the Indian language. 
This Bible was printed in 1G64, at Cambridge, and was 
the first Bible ever printed in America. He also trans- 
lated the Practice of Piety, Baxtei s Call to the Uncon- 
verted, besides some smaller works, into the Indian 
tongue. Having performed many wearisome journeys, 
and endured many hardships and privations, this inde- 
fatigable missionary closed his labours in 1690, aged 
eighty-six years. 

The ardour and zeal of Elliot, Mayhew, and others, 
were crowned with such success, that in IGGO, there 
were ten to\\iis of Indians in Massachusetts who were 
converted to the Christian religion. In IG95, there 
were not less than three thousand adult converts in the 
islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. 



16. King Philip^ s War. 
(attack on brookfield.) 

In the year 1G75, Philip, sachem of the Wampano- 
ags, and grandson of Massasoit, began the most de- 
structive war ever waged by the Indians upon the infant 
colonies. He resided at Mount Hope, in the present 
town of Bristol, in Rhode Island. 

It is supposed that his object was the entire extinction 
of the colonists, who were now rapidly extending their 
settlements. The immediate cause of the war was this: 
Sausaman, an Indian missionary,* had made a discovery 
of Philip's plots to the English, for which Philip caused 
him to be murdered. The murderers were tried and 
executed by the English. This roused the anger of 
Philip, who immediately commenced hostilities, and by 

* Philip always opposed the introduction of Christianity among 
his people. When Mr. Elliot uraed upon him its great importance, 
he said, " he cared no more for the Gospel than he did for a button 
upon his coat"— iV/oi/ter'« Magnalia. 
5* 



54 

his influence, drew into the war most of the Indian 
tribes in New-England. 

Philip fled to the Nipmucks, a tribe of Indians in that 
part of Massachusetts which is now called Worcester 
county, and persuaded them to assist him. The Eng- 
lish sent a party also to this tribe, to renew a former 
treaty; but Philip's influence prevailed, and this party 
were waylaid, and eight of their number killed. The 
remainder fled to Brookfield, pursued by the Indians 
into the town. Every house in this place was burnt by 
the Indians except one, into which the inhabitants had 
fled for refuge ; and this was soon surrounded by their 
foes, and for tAvo days they poured into its walls a 
shower of musket balls. Only one person, however, 
was killed. Brands and rags, dipped in brimstone, 
attached to the ends of long poles, were used to fire the 
house ; arrows of fire were shot against it ; and a car- 
riage of tow and other combustibles, was with long 
poles, pushed against the house, and the savages stood 
ready to slaughter all who should attempt to escape. 

At this awful and critical moment, a sudden torrent 
of rain extinguished the kindling flames. Major Wil- 
lard soon after came to their assistance, raised the siege, 
and, after some slaughter of the enemy, compelled them 
to retreat. 



17. Swainp Fight icith the Narragansets. 

Lest Philip should increase his power, bj' an alliance 
with the Narraganset Indians, the English had made a 
friendly treaty with them in July, 1675. But notwith- 
standing this, in December of the same year, it was dis- 
covered that thej"^ were secretly aiding Philip's party. 
This determined the English to undertake a winter ex- 
pedition against them. For this object, the colony of 
Massachusetts furnished five hundred and twenty-seven 
men, Plymouth one hundred and fifty-nine, and Con- 
necticut three hundred ; to all these were attached one 



55 

hundred and fifty Mohegan Indians. After electing 
Josiah Winslow, Governor of Pljinouth colony, to be 
their commander, the whole party met at Pettyquam- 
squot. About sixteen miles from this place, it was found 
that the Narragansets had built a strong fort in the 
midst of a large swamp, upon a piece of dry land of about 
five or six acres. The fort was a circle of pallisadoes 
surrounded by a fence of trees, which was about one 
rod thick. 

On the 19th of December, 1675, at dawn of day, the 
English took up their march through a deep snow, and 
at 4 o'clock in the afternoon attacked the Indians in 
their fortress. The only entrance which appeared prac- 
ticable was over a log, or tree, which lay up five or six 
feet from the ground, and this opening was commanded 
by a sort of a block house in front. The Massachusetts 
men, led on by their captains, first rushed into the fort, 
but the enemy, from the block house and other places, 
opened so furious a fire upon them, that they were 
obliged to retreat. Many men were killed in this as- 
sault, and among them Captains Johnson and Daven- 
port. The whole army then made a united onset. The 
conflict was terrible. Some of the bravest captains fell, 
and victory seemed very doubtful. At this crisis some 
of the Connecticut men ran to the opposite side of the 
fort, where there were no pallisadoes ; they sprang in, 
and opened a brisk and well directed fire upon the backs 
of the enemy. This decided the contest. The Indians 
were driven from the block house, and from one covert 
to another, until they were Avholly destroyed or dis- 
persed in the wilderness. As they retreated, the sol- 
diers set fire to their wigwams, (about six hundred in 
number,) which were consumed by the flames. In 
this action it was computed that about seven hundred 
fighting Indians perished, and among them twenty of 
thedr chiefs. Three hundred more died from their 
wounds ; — to these numbers may be added many old men, 
women, and children, who had retired to this fort as a 
place of undoubted security. 

" The burning of the wigwams, the shrieks of the 



56 

women and children, the yelling of the warriors, ex- 
hibited a most horrid and affecting scene, so that it 
greatly moved some of the soldiers. They were much 
in doubt whether the burning of their enemies alive 
could be consistent with humanity and the benevolent 
principles of the gospel." 

Fi'om this blow the Indians never recovered. The 
victory of the English, though complete, was dearly 
purchased : six of their captains, and eighty of their men, 
were killed or mortally wounded ; and one hundred and 
fifty Avere wounded and afterwards recovered. About 
one half of the loss of this bloody fight fell upon the 
Connecticut soldiers. 



18. Death of King Philip. 

The finishing stroke was given to the Indian power m 
NeAv-England, l3y the death of Philip, August 12th, 1676. 

Failing in his attempts to rouse the Mohawk tribe to 
war with the English, he returned to Mount Hope — 
the tide of war against him. The English had killed 
or captured his brother, counsellors, and chief warriors, 
his wife and familjr, and he was obliged to flee from one 
lurking place to another, from the pursuit of his foes. 
Firm and unbroken amidst all his misfortunes, he would 
listen to no proposals of peace. He even shot one of his 
own men for daring to suggest it. 

Captain Church, who, for his courage and enterprise 
in this war, had acquired renown, received information 
that Philip was in a swamp near Mount Hope. To this 
place he marched immediately, with a party of men, 
whom he placed in ambush about the swamp, with or- 
ders not to move until daylight, that they might distin- 
guish Philip. Captain Church, confident of success, 
took Major Sanford by the hand, exclaiming, " It is 
scarcely possible that Philip should escape;" at this 
moment a bullet Avhistled over their heads, and a volley 
followed. Immediately Philip, with his powder horn 




Plulip.llir Imhaii k'niq Jun-inq liffnitifiJ lumsflf itiiil his C'lmlnmeii Id the 
■i h<fl r.vlirmitw trni: hllril iinir Mmiit llopr in Rhoth hlniul .liiif. l2t/i.M76 

i. 




/« III.;, f.pv. fnivm i>f S.I'nn'Imn uttarkeii thf Tanniffm in llifir fanifi at 
.fallratrtitTt. Jflrr n UpoiIv hnlllr l/irr trerr nvilril A iln'rm fivni Iht lYcnncf. 



dp^^ 



57 

and gun, ran fiercely towards a spot where lay concealed 
a white man and a friendly Indian. The Englishman 
levelled his gun at Philip, but it missed fire. The In- 
dian ally then fired. The bullet entered the heart of 
Philip, and he fell on his face in the mire of the swamp. 
By the order of Captain Church, his body was drawn 
from the place where he fell, and beheaded and quar- 
tered.* The Indian who executed this order, taking 
his hatchet, thus addressed the body of Philip: — "You 
have been one very great man — you have made a many 
a man afraid of you — but so big as you be, I will chop 
you in pieces." 

" Thus fell a brave chieftain, who defended himself, 
and what he imagined to be the just rights of his coun- 
trymen, to the last extremity." 

After the death of Philip, the war continued in the 
province of Maine, till the spring of 1678. But west- 
ward, the Indians having lost their chiefs, wigwams 
and provisions, and perceiving farther contest vain, 
came in singly, and by tens, and by hundreds, and sub- 
mitted to the English. 

Thus closed a melancholy period in the annals of 
New-England history ; during Avhich, 600 men, in the 
flower of their strength, had fallen; 12 or 13 towns had 
been destroyed, and 600 dwelling houses consumed. 
Every Uth family was houseless, and every 11th sol- 
dier had sunk to the grave, f 



19. Bacon^s Insurrection in Virginia, 

Virginia, while a colony of Great Britain, often suf- 
fered from the oppressive acts of the mother country, 
and their essential interests were often sacrificed to in- 
dividuals in Great Britain. These proceedings gave 

* The head of Philip was sent to Plymouth, where it was exposed 
for twenty years on a gibbet; his hands to Boston, where they were 
exhibited in triumph ; and his mangled body was denied the right of 
sepulture. 

t Goodrich. 



58 

rise to a spirit of opposition in many of the colonists, 
which sometimes broke out into open acts of resistance. 
"The malcontents in Virginia, in 1676, taking ad- 
vantage of a war with the Susquehanna Indians, excited 
the people to insurrection. Nathaniel Bacon, a bold, 
seditious, and eloquent young man, who had been con- 
cerned in a recent insurrection, now offered himself as 
a leader of the insurgents, was chosen their general, 
and soon after entered Jamestown with six hundred 
armed followers. Having besieged the grand assem- 
bly, then convened in the capital, he compelled them to 
grant whatever he demanded. On finding himself de- 
nounced, after his departure, as a rebel, by a proclama- 
tion of Governor Berkely, he returned indignantly to 
Jamestown. The aged governor, unsupported, and al- 
most abandoned, fled precipitately to Accomack, on the 
eastern shore of the colony; and collecting those who 
were well affected towards his government, began to 
oppose the insurgents. Several skirmishes were fought, 
with various success. A party of the insurgents burn- 
ed Jamestown. Those districts of the colony which ad- 
hered to the old admiiiistration, were laid waste. The 
estates of the loyalists were confiscated. Women, whose 
fathers and husbands obeyed what they deemed the legal 
government, were carried forcibly along with the sol- 
diers. The governor, in retaliation, seized the estates 
of many of the insurgents, and executed several of their 
leaders by martial law. In the midst of these calami- 
ties. Bacon, the author of them, sickened and died; and 
the flames of war expired. This rebellion cost the 
colony one hundred thousand pounds.* 



20. The Regicides. 

Soon after the restoration of monarchy in England, 
many of the judges who had condemned King Charles 
I. to death, were apprehended. Thirty were condemned, 
♦ Holmes' Annals, 



59 

and ten were executed as traitors ; two of them, Colonels 
Goffe and Whalley, made their escape to New-England, 
and arrived at Boston, July, 1660. They Avere gentle- 
men of worth, and were much esteemed by the colonists 
for their unfeigned piety. Their manners and appear- 
ance were dignified, commanding universal respect. 
Whalley had been a Lieutenant General, and Goffe, a 
Major General in Cromwell's army. An order for 
their apprehension, from Charles II., reached New- 
England soon after their arrival. The King's commis- 
sioners, eager to execute this order, compelled the Judges 
to resort to the woods and caves, and other hiding places ; 
and they would undoubtedly have been taken, had not 
the colonists secretly aided and assisted them in their 
concealments. Sometimes they found a refuge in a 'cave 
on a mountain near New-Haven, and at others, in cel- 
lars of the houses of their friends, and once they were 
secreted under the Nock bridge in New-Haven, while 
their pursuers crossed the bridge on horseback. 

While in New-Haven, they owed their lives to the 
intrepidity of Mr. Davenport, the minister of the place, 
who, when the pursuers arrived, preached to the people 
from this text, " Take council, execute judgment, make 
thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noon day, 
hide the outcasts, bcivray not him that wandereth. Let 
my outcasts dwell with thee. Moab, be thou a covert 
to them from the face of the spoiler." Large rewards 
Avere offered for their apprehension, or for any informa- 
tion which might lead to it. Mr. Davenport was threat- 
ened, for it was known that he had harboured them. 
Upon hearing that he was in danger, they offered to de- 
liver themselves up, and actually gave notice to the de- 
puty governor of the place of their concealment ; but 
Davenport had not preached in vain, and the magistrate 
took no other notice than to advise them not to betray 
themselves. After lurking about for two or three j'ears 
in and near New-Haven, they found it necessary to re- 
move to Hadley,* where they wore received by Mr. 

♦ While GofTe was secreted in Hadley, in 1675, the Indians attacked 
the town while the inhabitants were at public worship. The peo- 



GO 

Russell, with whom they were concealed fifteen or six- > 

teen years. After many hair-breadth escapes, the pur- j 
suit was given over, and they were finally suflfered to 

die a natural death in their exile. i 



21. William Penn. 

The territory of Pennsylvania was granted to Wil- 
liam Penn, from whom it derives its name. This grant 
was made by King Charles II. of England, in 1681, in 
consideration of service rendered to the crown by the 
father of Penn, who was an admiral in the English 
navy. In October, 1682, William Penn arrived in the 
Delaware, with his colony of Friends or Q,uakers. He 
purchased of the natives the land where he proposed to 
build his capital, which he called Philadelphia, or the 
seat of brotherly love. William Penn gave the Indians 
a satisfactory equivalent for all lands which he obtained ; 
and when he paid them, he administered such whole- 
some counsel and advice, as proved salutary to the na- 
tives, and greatl}' endeared him to their affections. The 
treaty of peace which he concluded with them in 16S2, 
lasted more than seventy years. He parcelled out lands 
at moderate rents, gave free toleration to all religious 
sects, enacted mild and equitable laws, and thus invited 
a rapid scttk^ment of the colon3^ The respect and 
affection which the natives had for Penn, and those of 
his religious tenets, was so great, that it is related as a 
fact, that in their wars Avith the whites, they never killed 
a Quaker, knowing him to be such. 

Though Penn was a strictly conscientious and peace- 

i)le were thrown into the utmost confusion, till Goffe, entirely un- 
known to them, white Mith age, of a venerable and commanding 
aspect, and in an unusual dress, suddenly presented himself among 
them, enrouragins; the aflVifihted inhabitants, put himself at their 
head, and by liis military skill, led them on to an immediate victory. 
After the dispersion of the enemy, he instantly disappeared. The 
wondering iniiabitants, ahke ignorant wiienee ne came, and where 
he had retired, imagined him to be an angel sent for their deliver- 
ance.— S/i7es' Hist. Judges. 








fn lani W'lUimn I'ciiii \nlh n /o/miv of Knoiuls nrriicd ill ihf ndaifarr. 
imuU a Trclv will, thf hulinns niitl irim.M iht Mmiv cfV<!<xos\\vwaA. 



61 

able man, and the people he brought to Pennsylvania 
were in general orderly and well disposed, yet there 
existed almost constantly bickerings. He three times 
altered the form of government for the satisfaction of the 
people. Notwithstanding all the eflbrts which he made, 
there seldom was an harmonious feeling between the peo- 
ple and their governor. From the difficulties in Penn- 
sylvania, and the opposition he met with in England, 
Penn's life was a scene of vexation. In order to pro- 
mote the infant settlement, and to preserve harmony with 
the Indians, he materially injured his private fortune. 
For a time he was deprived of his personal liberty by 
his creditors. But though he was necessitous during 
his life, yet at its termination he was wealthy. He died 
at London in 1718, at the age of 74 ; leaving an inheri- 
tance to his children, which ultimately proved of im- 
mense value ; which they possessed till the Revolution, 
when it was assigned to the commonwealth for an equi- 
table sum in money. 



22. Tyrwnny of Andros. 

In the year 1684, it Avas decided in the high court of 
Chancery, that Massachusetts had forfeited her charter, 
and that henceforth her government should be placed in 
the hands of the King. This event was brought about 
chiefly by the instrumentality of Edmund Andros. This 
man had been sent over as a kind of spy on the colonies ; 
he made it his business to collect charges against the 
colonies, and return to England and excite the jealousy 
of the British government. In this manner, the way 
was prepared for annulling the colonial charters. In 
December, 1686, Andros arrived at Boston, being com- 
missioned, by King James, as Governor General, and 
Vice- Admiral, over New-England, New-York, and the 
Jerseys. Like all tyrants, Sir Edmund began his ad- 
ministration with professions of high regard for the pub- 
lic welfare. In a few months, however, the prospect 
6 



62 

was changed. The press was restrained, liberty of con- 
science infringed, and exorbitant taxes were levied. The 
charters being vacated, it was pretended all titles to land 
were destroyed ; farmers, therefore, who had cultivated 
their soil for half a century, were obliged to take new 
patents, giving large fees, or writs of intrusion were 
brought, and their lands sold to others. To prevent pe- 
titions or consultations, town meetings were prohibited, 
excepting once in a year for the choice of town officers. 
Lest cries of oppression should reach the throne, he 
forbade any to leave the country without permission 
from the government.* 

In 1689, King James having abdicated the throne, 
William, Prince of Orange, and Mary, daughter of James, 
were proclaimed in February. A report of the landing of 
William in England, reached Boston, but before the news 
of the entire revolution in the British government ar- 
rived, a most daring one was effected in New-England. 

The Colonists had borne the impositions of Andros' 
government about three years. Their patience was 
now exhausted. On the morning of April 18th, the 
public fury burst forth like a volcano. The inhabitants 
of Boston were in arms, and the people from the coun- 
try poured in to their assistance. Andros and his asso- 
ciates fled to a fort ; resistance was in vain, he was 
made a prisoner, and sent to England. 



23. Preservation of the Charier of Connecticut. 

Sir Edmund Andros being appointed the first go- 
vernor General over New-England, arrived at Boston 
in December, 1686. From this place he wrote to the 
colony of Connecticut to resign their charter, but with- 
out success. " The Assembly met as usual, in October, 
and the government continued according to charter, 
until the last of the month. " About this time. Sir Ed- 
mund, with his suite, and more than sixty regular 
• Morse's Hist. New-England. 



63 

troops, came to Hartford when the assembly were sit- 
ting, and demanded the charter, and declared the go- 
vernment under it to be dissolved. The assembly were 
extremely reluctant and slow Avith respect to any resolve 
to surrender the charter, or M'hh respect to any motion 
to bring it forth. The tradition is, that Governor Treat 
stro'.igly represented the great expense and hardships 
of the colonists in planting the country ; the blood and 
treasure which they had expended in defending it, both 
against the savages and foreigners ; to what hardships 
aiu] dangers he himself had been exposed for that pur- 
pose ; and that it was like giving up his life, now to 
surrender the patent and privileges so dearly bought, 
and so long enjoyed. The important affair Avas debated 
and kept in suspense until the evening, when the char- 
ter was brought and laid upon the table, where the as- 
sembly were sitting. By this time great numbers of 
people were assembled, and men sufficiently bold to 
enterprise whatever might be necessary or expedient. 
The lights were instantly extinguished, and one Cap- 
tain Wadsworth, of Hartford, in the most silent and 
secret manner, carried off the charter, and secreted it 
in a large hollow tree, fronting the house of Hon. 
Samuel Wyllys, then one of the magistrates of the co- 
lony. The people appeared all peaceable and orderly. 
The candles were officiously relighted, but the patent 
was gone, and no discovery could be made of it, or the 
person who carried it away. Sir Edmund assumed the 
government, and the records of the colony were closed 
in the following words : 

"At a General Court at Hartford, Oct. 31st, 1687, 
his excellency Sir Edmund Andros, knight, and captain 
general and governor of his Majesty's territories and 
dominions in New-England, by order of his Majesty 
James H. King of England, Scotland, France, and Ire- 
land, the 31st of October. 1087, took into his hands the 
government of the Colony of Connecticut, it being by 
his majesty annexed to Massachusetts, and other colo' 
njes under his Excellency's government. Finis."" 
♦Tninibnll's Hist. Connecticut. 



64 



24. Destruction of Schenectady. 

I 
In the war between England and France, in the year ' 
1689, the French, who then possessed Canada, instiga- ' 
ted the Indians to hostilities against the Colonies. A \ 
detachment of between two and three hundred French i 
and Indians, were sent from Montreal against the fron- ' 
tiers of NeAV-York. A march of more than twenty * 
days, in the depth of winter, brought them to Schenec- , 
tady, February 18th, 1600. \ 

In this march they had been reduced to such straits, ] 
that they had thoughts of surrendering themselves pri- 
soners of war. But their scouts brought them informa- i 
tion that the inhabitants were in a state of unsuspecting 1 
security. Upon this they determined to attack them. 
On Saturday night, about eleven o'clock, they entered ; 
the town through an unguarded point, and that they \ 
might invest every house at the same time, they divided I 
into parties of six or seven men each. The inhabitants ! 
were in a profound sleep, and unalarmed, until the ene- j 
my had broken open their doors. In this dreadful j 
surprise and consternation, successful resistance Avas im- i 
possible; and this wretched people were aroused from \ 
their midnight slumbers, to endure the perpetration of } 
savage and inhuman barbarities, too shocking to record. 
Sixty of the inhabitants were killed, and twenty taken | 
off captives. To crown their work, the enemy set on i 
lire the village, killed most of the cattle and horses, and J 
those which were spared, they drove off laden with 
plunder. Those of the people who escaped, fled almost 
naked through a deep snow, and in a heavy storm; ' 
twenty-five of whom lost the use of their limbs by the j 
severe frost. 1 



25. First culture of Rice in the Colonies. 

The planting of Rice was introduced into Carolina 
about the year 1695. Incidents apparently small arc 



65 

often productive of important consequences. A brigan- 
tine from Madag-ascav, touching at Carolina on her way 
to Great Britain, came to anchor off Sullivan's Island. 
Landgrave Smith, on invitation of the Captain, paid him 
a visit on board his vessel, and received from him a 
present of a bag of seed rice, with information of its 
growth in eastern countries ; of its suitableness for food ; 
and of its incredible increase. The Governor divided 
his bag of rice among some of his friends; who, agree- 
ing to make an experiment, planted their parcels in dif- 
ferent soils. The success fully equalled their expectation; 
and from this small beginning arose the staple commo- 
dity of Carolina, which soon became the chief support 
of the Colony, and the great source of its opulence.* 



26. Salcni Witchcraft. 

The year 1692 is memorable in New-England for 
the convulsion produced in Salem, and its vicinity, by 
the supposed prevalence of u-itchcraft. Many were 
supposed to be betritched, and would complain of being 
bitten, pinched, pricked with pins, &c.: some declared 
that they beheld a spectral representation of the person 
whom they said was the cause of their affliction. Some 
were struck dumb, others had their limbs distorted in a 
shocking manner, sometimes running on their hands 
and feet, creeping through holes, and under chairs, ta- 
bles, &c. ; barking like a dog, with other actions equally 
strange and unaccountable. Upon the accusation and 
testimony of pei-sons thus afflicted, many were impri- 
soned, and nineteen were executed for practising zcitch- 
craft, most of whom died professing thei%'«innocence.t 

* Holmes' Annals. 

+ A cotemporary writer ob.scrvcs : "As to the method whicli-the 
Salem justices do take in their exaniinationss, it is truly this : A war- 
rant beinf; is.sued out to apprehend the persons that are charged and' 
complaitii'd of by tlie atllictcd ciiildren, as they are called, said per- 
sons are broutrht before the justice.si, the alflieted hein;; present. The- 
jtistices ask the apprehended why they attlict those poor children i 
G* 



66 

The evil became awfully alarming ; the most respecta- 
ble persons in the country Avere accused ; but the ma- 
gistrates finally acquitted those who were accused, and 
the menacing storm blew over, to the great joy of the 
inhabitants. 

At this period, many learned and eminent men, both 
in England and America, fully believed in the existence 
of witchcraft. Sir Matthew Hale, one of the brightest 
ornaments of the English bench, repeatedly tried and 
condemned persons as criminals, who were brought be- 
fore him, charged with this crime. It must be confessed, 
that notwithstanding all the obloquy and contempt which 
is now cast upon our forefathers, for believing in the 
existence of witchcraft, many things took place at that 
time, (if we can credit the accounts given by many re- 
spectable witnesses,) which would be extremely diffi- 
cult to account for, on natural principles. 



27. Captain Kidd, the Pirate. 

Capt. Robert Kidd, in the beginning of King Wil- 
liam's war, commanded a privateer in the West Indies, 
and by several adventurous actions acquired the repu- 
tation of a brave man, as well as an experienced sea- 
man. About this time the pirates were ver)' troublesome 
in those parts : whereupon Capt. Kidd was recommended 
by Lord Bellamont, (then governor of Barbadoes,) to 
the British government, as a person very fit to be in- 
trusted with the command of a government ship, for the 
purpose of suppressing piracy. The proposal, how- 
to which the affljfehended answer, they do not atHict them. The 
justices o«j^*]5^n»pprehended to look upon the said children, which 
accord*i<gC»mey do ; and at the time of that look (I dare not say by 
that loajjfas the Salem gentlemen do,) the afflicted are cast into a 
iiteglPne apprehended are then blinded, and ordered to touch the 
afmcted; and at that touch, though not by that touch, (as above,) 
the afflicted do ordinarily come out of their fits. The afflicted per- 
sons then declare and affirm that the apprehended have afflicted 
them ; upon which the apprehended persons, though of never so 
good repute, are forthwith committeoN^ prison, on suspicion of 
witchcraft." 




67 

ever, through some cause, met with no encouragement 
from the government ; whereupon Lord Bellamont, and 
some others, who knew of great captures which had 
been made by the pirates, and what prodigious wealth 
must be in their possession, were tempted to fit out a 
ship at their own private charge, and to give the com- 
mand of her to Capt. Kidd; and to give the thing a 
greater reputation, as well as to keep their seamen under 
better command, they procured the king's commission 
for Capt. Kidd. This commission was dated at Ken- 
sington, Jan. 26, 1695, in the seventh year of the reign of 
King William the third. Kidd having received this com- 
mission for the suppression of piracy, sailed from Ply- 
mouth, England, in the Adventure galley, of 30 guns 
and 80 men ; and arrived in New York, where he had 
a family. Here he held out great encouragement for 
others to join him, and he soon increased his company 
to 155 men. 

With this company he proceeded to the Madeiras, and 
the Cape Verd Islands, and from thence to the East 
Indies, in order to suppress piracies. After having 
cruised about in those seas for some time without any 
success, he formed the resolution of becoming pirate 
himself Finding his crew not averse to such a course, 
they accordingly commenced the practice of robbing. 
After having taken a number of rich prizes, Kidd re- 
turned to America, and, landing at Boston openly, he 
was taken, sent to England, and executed at Execution 
Dock, with six of his companions, and afterwards hung 
in chains, at some distance from each other, do^vn the 
river, where their bodies hung exposed for many years. 

The remembrance of Capt. Kidd is kept alive in the 
eastern states by the circumstance of his having buried 
large sums of money, it is believed, somewhere on the 
coast. There have been many attempts made to dis- 
cover this treasure by digging, &c. at various places : 
how much of it has been found, or whether there has 
been any found at all, is a matter which it would be dif- 
ficult to ascertain. 



68 
28. Great Snow Storm. 

In February, 1717, fell the greatest snow ever known 
in this country, or, perhaps, in any other. So deep was 
it, that people stepped out of their chamber windows on 
snow shoes. With this fall of snow there was a terrible 
tempest ; eleven hundred sheep, the property of one man, 
were found dead; one flock of a hundred, on Fisher's 
Island, were found buried sixteen feet in the snow ; two 
of them only were alive, they having subsisted on the 
wool of their companions twenty-eight days after the 
storm. 

The following account of this snow storm was writ- 
ten by Dr. Cotton Mather, and preserved amongst the 
onanuscri'pt volumes of the Massachusetts Historical 
Society. It is a curious relic, and will serve to show 
the doctor's method of writing. 

AN HORRID SNOW. 

Boston, \Oth Dec. 1717. 



Tho' we are gott so far onward as the beginning of 
another Winter, yett we have not forgott y' last, Avhich 
at the latter end whereof we were entertained & over- 
whelmed with a Snow, which was attended with some 
Things, which Avere uncommon enough to afford mat- 
ter for a letter from us. Our winter was not so bad as 
that wherein Tacitus tells us that Corbulo made his ex- 
pedition against the Parthians, nor that which proved 
so fatal to y* Beasts & Birds in y"^ days of y«^ Emperor 
Justinian, & that the very Fishes were killed under y" 
freezing sea, when Phocas did as much to y'' men whom 
Tyrants treat like y« Fishes of y« Sea. But y« con- 
clusion of our Winter was hard enough, and was too 
formidable to be easily forgotten, & of a piece with v/hat 
you had in Europe a year before. The snow was y^ chief 
Thing that made it so. For tho' rarely does a Winter 
pass us, wherein we may not say with Pliny, Ingens. 



69 

Hyeme Nivis apud tios copia, yet our last Winter brought 
with it a Snow, that excelled them all. The Snow, 'tis 
true, not equal to that, which once fell & lay tAventy 
Cubits hiflfh, about the Beo-inninff of October, in the 
parts about y' Euxine Sea, Nor to that which y° French 
Annals tell us kept falling for twenty Nine weeks to- 
gether. Nor to several mentioned by Bcethius, wherein 
vast numbers of people, & of Cattel perished. Nor to 
those that Strabo finds upon Caucasus & Rhodiginus in 
Armenia. But yett such an one, & attended with such 
circumstances, as may deserve to be remembered. 

On the twentieth of the last February there came 6n a 
Snow, which being added unto what had covered the 
ground a few days before, made a thicker mantle for our 
Mother than what was usual: And y^ storm with it 
was, for the following day, so violent as to make all 
communication between y^ Neighbors every where to 
cease. — People, for some hours, could not pass from one 
side of a street unto another, & y« poor Women, who 
happened in this critical time to fall into Travail, were 
putt unto Hardships, Avhich anon produced many odd 
stories for us. But on y' Twenty fourth day of y" 
Month, comes Pelion upon Ossa: Another Snow came 
on which almost buried y' Memory of y'' former, with 
a Storm so famous that Heaven laid an Interdict on y« 
Religious Assemblies throughout y' Country, on this 
Lord's day, y* like whereunto had never been seen be- 
fore. The Indians near an hundred years old, affirm 
that their Fathers never told them of any thing that 
equalled it. Vast numbers of Cattel were destroyed in 
this Calamity. Whereof some there were, of y' Stranger 
sort, were found standing dead on their legs, as if they 
had been alive many weeks after, when y' SnoAv melted 
away. And others had their eyes glazed over with Ice 
at such a rate, that being not far from y' Sea, their mis- 
take of their way drov/ned them there. One gentleman, 
on whose farms were now lost above 1 100 sheep, which 
with other Cattel, were interred (shall I say) or Innived, 
in the Snow, writes me word that there were two Sheep 
very singularly circumstanced. For no less than eight 



70 

and twenty days after the Storm, the People pulling out 
the Ruins of above an 100 sheep out of a Snow-Bank, 
which lay 16 foot high, drifted over them, there was two 
found alive, which had been there all this time, and kept 
themselves alive by eating the wool of their dead com- 
panions. When they were taken out they shed their 
own Fleeces, but soon gott into good Case again. Sheep 
were not y^ only creatures that lived unaccountably, for 
whole weeks without their usual sustenance, entirely 
huried in y' Snow-drifts. 

• The Swine had a share with y' S/ieep in strange sur- 
vivals. A man had a couple of young Hoggs, Avhich 
he gave over for dead. But on the twenty seventh day 
after their Burial, they made their Avay out of a Syioip- 
Bank, at the bottom of Avhich they had found a little 
Tansy to feed upon. The Poultry as unaccountably 
survived as these. Hens were found alive after seven 
days ; Turkeys were found alive after five and twenty 
days, buried in y* Snow, and at a distance from y* 
ground, and altogether destitute of any thing to feed 
them. The number of creatures that kept a Rigid Fast, 
shutt up in Snow for divers weeks together, & were 
found alive after all, have yielded surprizing stories 
unto us. 

The Wild Creatures of y'^ Woods, y* outgoings of 
y« Evening, made their Descent as well as they could in 
this time of scarcity for them, towards y' Sea-side. A 
vast^ multitude of Deer, for y' same cause, taking y* 
same course, and y^ Deep SnoAv Spoiling them of their 
only Defence, which is to run, they became such a prey 
to these Devourers, that it is thought not one in twenty 
escaped. But here again occurred a Curiosity. These 
carniverous Sharpers, & especially the Foxes, would 
make their Nocturnal visits to the Pens, Avhere the peo- 
ple had their sheep defended from them. The poor 
Ewes big with young, were so terrified with the frequent 
Approaches of y' Foxes, ^i the Terror had such Im- 
pression on them, that most of y' Lambs brought forth 
in the Spring following, were of Monsieur Rcinarcts 
complexion, when y* Dam, Avere either White or Black. 



71 

It is remarkable that immediately after y« fallof y« Snow 
an infinite multitude of Sparroics made their Appear- 
ance, but then, after a short continuance, all disappeared. 

It is incredible how much damage is done to y' Or- 
chards, For the Snow freezing to a Crust, as high as the 
boughs of y^ trees, anon split y" to pieces. The Cattel 
also, walking on y* crusted Snow a dozen foot from y' 
ground, so fed upon y' Trees as very much to damnify 
them. The Ocean was in a prodigious Ferment, and 
after it was over, vast heaps of little shells were driven 
ashore, where they were never seen before. Mighty 
shoals of Porpoises also kept a play-day in the disturbed 
waves of our Harbours. The odd Accidents befalling 
many poor people, whose Cottages were totally covered 
with y* Snow, & not y' very tops of their chimneys to 
b6 seen, would afford a Story. But there not being any 
relation to philosophy in them, I forbear them. 

And now Satis Terris Nivis. And there is enough 
of my Winter Tale. If it serve to no other purpose, 
yett it will give me an opportunity to tell you That nine 
months ago I did a thousand times wish myself with you 
in Grcsham Co'/erf^r, which is never so horribly snow'd 
upon. But instead of so great a Satisfaction, all I can 
attain to is the pleasure of talking with you in this Epis- 
tolary way & subscribing myself 

Syr Yours with an affection 

that knows no Winter, 

COTTON MATHER. 



29. Dark Days. 

We find recorded in history, instances of extreme 
darkness in the daytime, and in some cases this ob- 
scurity has lasted for a number of days. The 19th of 
May, 1780, was distinguished by the phenomenon of a 
remarkable darkness over all the northern States, and 
is still called the Dark Day* 
* At tills time tlie legislature of Connecticut was in seesion in 



72 

The darkness commenced between the hours of ten 
and eleven, A. M., and continued to the middle of the 
next night. It was occasioned by a thick vapour, or 
cloud, tinged with a yellow colour, or faint red, and a 
thin coat of dust was deposited on white substances.* 

The wind was in the south-west ; and the darkness 
appeared to come on with clouds in that direction. Its 
extent was from Falmouth, Maine, to New-Jersey. The 
darkness appears to hav'e been the greatest in the coun- 
ty of Essex, Mass., in the lower part of New-Hampshire, 
and Maine ; it was also great in Rhode Island and Con- 
necticut. In most parts of the country where the dark- 
ness prevailed, it was so groat, that persons were unable to 
read common print, determine the time of day by their 
clocks or watches, dine, or manage their domestic busi- 
ness, Avithout additional light ; " candles were lighted 
up in their houses ; the birds, having sung their even- 
ing songs, disappeared and became silent ; the fowls 
retired to roost ; the cocks were crowing all around, as 
at break of day; objects could be distinguished but a 
very little distance ; and every thing bore the appear- 
ance and gloom of night."t 

Besides this instance of uncommon darkness, there 
was one on the 21st of October, 1716; when "people 
were forced to light candles to eat their dinner by;" but 
the 'larticulars of it are not preserved.^ 



30. Northern Lightx. 

From the earliest times, we have some imperfect ac- 
counts of lights in the sky; and superstition has reprc 

Hartford. A very general opinion prevailed, that the day of judg- 
ment was at hand. The House of Representatives, being unable to 
transact their business, adjourned. A proposal to adjourn the council 
was under consideration. When the opinion of Col. Davenport wa8 
asked, he answered, "1 am against an adjournment. The day of 
judgment is either approaching, or it is not. If it is not, there is no 
cause for an adjournment; if it is, I choose to be found doing my 
duty. I wi.sh therefore that candles may be brought."— Z^wi^Af* 
Travels, vol. 3. 

• Webster. t Coll. Hist. Soc. 95—98. 

t Philosophical Trans. No. 423. 




Ii£3TM.Tr(CT10I?r DP SrMES^ErTAIDT 
/n J^f/i. J6S9, ///vrr/v t'/"Steac\x.r/»// \niX\AU)i /h<//f Min/mr/ rn/tvi^/ Sc/itiifr- 




IPHBSKKVATMIliy or thb rHAKTBH or IMlJ^KKPTinT 
/n Ifi.nT. ir////' f/f .htftiiMy iif <\miiffti,iit n-civ ilr/ilifi;iliii<i iifoii i/iriiK/ ii/> i/ifir 
''linrlrr. it mio .«/-/.-/•<•/ M- t'tifil. H'lulewi'rlh. /ni<t .irtnini in ii Itirtjr liollim' t>,ik 



sented them as the forerunners of bloody wars and other 
calamities. Sometimes historians speak of them as 
troops of men armed and rushing to battle. For about 
three hundred years past, our accounts of northern lights 
are tolerably correct. There was a discontinuance of 
them eighty or ninety years, anterior to 1707, when a 
small light was seen by persons in Europe. But they 
did not re-appear, in full splendour, till the year 1716, 
when they were observed in England. Their first appear- 
ance in America was December 11, 1719, when they 
were remarkably bright, and as people in general had 
never heard of such a phenomenon, they were extreme- 
ly alarmed with the apprehension of the approach of 
the final judgment. All amusements, all business, and 
even sleep, was interrupted, for want of a little knowledge 
of history. From 1719 to 1790, these lights were fre- 
quent, when they again disappeared for ten or twelve 
years.* 

A beautiful phenomenon (connected as it is supposed 
with the Boreal Lights) was seen in the northern States, 
on the 23th of August, 1827. The following descrip- 
tion is taken from the American Journal of Science and 
Arts, vol. 14th, art. 16. " In this city (New- York) it was 
first observed at about half past nine, P. M., at which 
time the light, except as regards its whitish hue, re- 
sembled that produced by a fire at some distance. The 
light soon, however, became more intense, and its out- 
line more distinctly denned, gradually assuming a 
columnar shape, and extending from about N. N. W. 
to a point in the opposite horizon, about E. N. E. In 
about 10 or l.j minutes from the time I first observed it, 
waves of light, in detached masses, but all in the line 
of the luminous arch, began to flow from the eastern 
towards the western part of its course, until the whole 
were blended, and the heavens were adorned with a 
beautiful arch, extending from the terminations above 
named to a point about 15 degrees north of the zenith. 
The greatest breadth of the arch, at its centre, was about 
9 or 10 degrees, tapering from that point to the western 
7 ♦ Webster. 



74 

extremity, (where the light was much brighter,) almost 
to a point. . . . The whole arch moved with a gradual 
motion towards the south, and passed the zenith, pre- 
senting a broad bright band of wavy light. After it 
passed the zenith towards the south, its eastern limb be- 
came less distinct, while the Avestern part became more 
exact in its outline, and was as well defined as a pencil of 
rays passed through a prism into a dark room. The 
colour was a bright white, and slowly faded, until about 
two hours from the time of its first appearance, when it 
was no longer visible." About 50 or 60 years since, 
similar appearances were observed in the northern States. 



31. Gov. Fletcher ond Capt. Wadsworth. 

In 1692, Col. Fletcher arrived with the commission 
of governor of New-York, and was also vested with 
plenary powers of commanding the whole militia of 
Connecticut ; and insisted on the exercise of that com- 
mand. The legislature of Connecticut, knowing that 
authority to be expressly given to the colony by charter, 
would not submit to his requisition ; but the colony, 
desirous of maintaining a good understanding with 
Gov. Fletcher, sent William Pitkin, Esq. to New York, 
to make terms with him respecting the militia, until his 
majesty's pleasure should be further known. No terms, 
however, could be made with the governor, short of an 
explicit submission of the militia to his command. On 
the 26th of October, 1693, he came to Hartford, while 
the assembly were sitting, and, in his majesty's name, 
demanded that submission. The assembly resolutely 
persisted in a refusal. After the requis^itions had been 
repeatedly made, with plausible explanations and serious 
menaces, Fletcher ordered his commission and instruc- 
tions to be read in audience of the trainbands of Hart- 
ford, which had been prudentially assembled, upon his 
order. Capt. Wadsworth, the senior officer, who was 
at that moment exercising the soldiers, instantly called 



/5 

out, " Beat the drums," which in a moment overwhelm- 
ed every voice. Fletcher commanded silence. No 
sooner was a second attempt made to read, than Wads- 
worth vociferated, " Drum, drum, I say." The drum- 
mers instantly beat again with the greatest possible 
spirit. " Silence, silence," exclaimed the governor. At 
the first moment of a pause, Wadsworth called out earnest- 
ly, " Drum, drum, I say;" and turning to his excellency, 
said, " If I am interrupted again, / icill make (he sun shine 
through you in a momoit." This decision produced its 
proper elfect ; and the governor and his suite soon re- 
turned to New- York.* 



32. War with the Tuscaroras. 

In 1710, a large number of German emigrants arrived 
in this country, and settled in North Carolina. Two 
years after their arrival, the Tuscaroras, Corees, and 
other tribes of Indians, formed a deep conspiracy for 
the extermination of the English settlers. Having for- 
tified the chief town in the Tuscarora nation, for the 
security of their o^^^l families, the difTerent tribes met at 
this place, to the number of 1200 warriors, and laid the 
horrible plot, which was concerted and executed Avith 
stability and great secresy. From this place of rendez- 
vous they sent out small parties, which entered the set- 
tlements by difTerent roads, under the mask of friendship. 
When the night agreed on had arrived, they entered 
the houses of the settlers, and demanded provisions ; and 
feigning displeasure, fell upon them, and murdered 
men, women, and children, without distinction. About 
Roanoke, 137 persons perished in the massacre. A 
few persons escaping, gave the alarm to their neighbours 
the next morning, and thus prevented the entire destruc- 
tion of the colony. 

Governor Craven, of South Carolina, as soon as he 
beard of this massacre, immediately sent Col. Barnwell, 
• Holnjes' Annals. 



76 

with 600 militia and 360 friendly Indians, against these 
savages. Marching through a hideous wilderness, Barn- 
well came up with the enemy, and attacked them with 
great effect. In this action he killed 300 Indians, and 
took about 100 prisoners. The survivors fled to their 
fortified town, Avhere Col. Barnwell surrounded them, 
killed a great number, and compelled the remainder to 
sue for peace. It is estimated that in this expedition 
nearly a thousand of the Tuscaroras were killed, wound- 
ed, and taken prisoners. Of Barnwell's men, five were 
killed, and several wounded ; of his Indians, thirty-six 
were killed, and between sixty and seventy wounded.* 

" Never had any expedition against the savages in 
Carolina been attended with such hazards and difficul- 
ties ; nor had the conquest of any tribe of them been 
more general and complete." Most of the Tuscaroras 
who escaped, abandoned their country, settled among 
the Five Nations, and added a sixth tribe, since which 
time they have been called the Six Nations. 



33. War with the Yamasecs. 

In the year 1715, an Indian war broke out in South 
Carolina, which threatened a total extirpation of the co- 
lony. The numerous and powerful tribe of the Yama- 
sees, possessing a large territory back of Port Royal 
Island, were the most active in this conspiracy. On the 
15th of April, about break of day, the cries of war 
gave universal alarm ; and in a few hours, above ninety 
persons were massacred in Pocataligo and the neighbour- 
ing plantations. A captain of the militia escaping to 
Port Royal, alarmed the town; and a vessel happening 
to be in the harbour, the inhabitants repaired precipi- 
tately on board, sailed for Charleston, and thus provi- 
dentially escaped a massacre. A few families of planters 
on the island, not having timely notice of the danger, 
fell into the hands of the savages. 

* Holmes' Annals, 



77 

While some Indhm tribes were thus advancing atrainst 
the southern frontiers, and spreading desolation through 
the province, forniidablc parties from the other tribes 
were penetrating into the settk^ments on the northern 
borders ; for every tribe, from Florida to Cape Fear, 
was concerned in the conspiracy. The capital trembled 
for its OAvn perilous situation. In this moment of uni- 
versal terror, although there were no more than one 
thousand two hundred men on the muster roll, fit to 
bear arms, yet the governor resolved to march with this 
small force against the enemy. He proclaimed martial 
law ; laid an embargo on all ships, to prevent either men 
or provisions from leaving the country ; and obtained 
an act of assembly, empowering him to impress men, 
and seize arms, ammunition, and stores, wherever they 
were to be found ; to arm trusty negroes ; and to prose- 
cute the war with the utmost vigour. Agents were sent 
to Virginia and England, to solicit assistance; and bills 
were stamped for the payment of the army and other 
expenses. 

The Indians on the northern quarter, about fifty miles 
from Charleston, having murdered a family on a plan- 
tation, Capt. Barker, receiving intelligence of their ap- 
proach, collected a party of ninety horsemen, and 
advanced against them. Trusting, however, to an In- 
dian guide, he was led into an ambuscade, and slain, 
with several of his men. A party of four hundred 
Indians came down as low as Goose Creek, where 
seventy men and forty negroes had surrounded them- 
selves with a breast work, with the resolution of main- 
taining their posts. Discouraged, however, almost as 
soon as attacked, they rashly agreed to terms of peace ; 
but on admitting the enemy whhin their works, they 
were barbarously murdered. The Indians now ad- 
vanced still nearer to Charleston; but were repulsed by 
the militia. 

In the mean time, the Yamasees, with their confede- 
rates, had spread destruction through the parish of St. 
Bartholomew, and proceeded down to Stono. Governor 
Craven, advancing towards the wily enemy, with cau- 
7* 



78 

tious steps, dispersed their strag-g-ling parties, until he 
reached Saltcatchers, where they had pitched their camp. 

Here was fought a severe and bloody battle, from be- 
hind trees and bushes ; the Indians with their terrible 
war whoops, alternately retreating and returning with 
double fury to the charge. The governor, undismayed, 
pressed closely on them with his provincials ; drove 
them from their territory ; pursued them over Savannah 
river ; and thus expelled them from the province. 

In this Indian war, nearly four hundred of the in- 
habitants of Carolina were slain. The Yamasees, after 
their expulsion, Avent directly to the Spanish territories 
in Florida, where they were hospitably received.* 



34. Inoculation Introduced. 

The inoculation of small pox was first performed in 
the English dominions, in April, 1721, upon a daughter 
of the celebrated Lady M. W. Montague, who had be- 
come acquainted with inoculation as practised by Turk- 
ish women, during her residence in Constantinople. 

About this time, Dr. Zabdiel Bojdeston, of Boston, 
was induced to adopt the same expedient, from reading 
an account of inoculation, and made his first experiment 
by inoculating his only son and two negro servants, on 
the 27th of June, 1721. Probably there never was 
greater opposition to any measure of real public utility, 
than was exhibited on this occasion. Dr. Boyleston 
was execrated and persecuted as a murderer, assaulted 
in the streets, and loaded with every species of abuse. 
His house was attacked with violence, so that neither 
himself nor his family could feel secure in it. At one 
time he remained fourteen days in a. secret apartment of 
his own house, unknown to any of his family except 
his wife. The enraged inhabitants patrolled the town 
in parties, with halters in their hands, threatening to 
hang him on the nearest tree, and repeatedly entered his 
* Holmes' American Annals. 



79 

house in search of him during his concealment. Such 
was the madness of the multitude, that even after the 
excitement had in some measure subsided, Dr. Boyles- 
ton only ventured to visit his patients at midnight, and 
then in disguise. He had also to encounter violent op- 
position from most of the members of his own profession, 
and notwithstanding he invited them all to visit his pa- 
tients, and judge for themselves, received nothing but 
threats and insults in reply. Indeed, many sober, pious 
people, were deliberately of opinion, when inoculation 
was first commenced, that should any of his patients die, 
the doctor ought to be capitally indicted. He was re- 
peatedly summoned before the select men of Boston, 
and received their reprehension. His only friends were 
Dr. Cotton Mather, and other clergymen, most of whom 
became zealous advocates for the new practice, and con- 
sequently drew upon themselves much odium from the 
populace. Some of them received personal injury ; 
others were insulted in the streets, and Avere hardly safe 
in their own dwellings; nor were their services accept- 
able on Sunday to their respective audiences. 

A bill for prohibiting the practice of inoculation, under 
severe penalties, was brought before the legislature of 
Massachusetts, and actually passed the house of repre- 
sentatiA'es ; but some doubts existing in the senate, it 
failed to become a law. 

Dr. Boyleston lived to see the cause he espoused 
triumphant, and its utility generally appreciated. So 
prone are mankind to vacillate from one extreme to the 
other, that on a subsequent appearance of the small pox 
in Boston, in the year 1792, the whole town was inocu- 
lated i?i three dai/x, to appease the infatuation of the in- 
habitants respecting the danger apprehended from this 
deadly pestilence. Persons Avere inoculated indiscri- 
minately, to the number of 9,152; and such was the 
hurry and confusion with which it Avas done, and such 
the impossibility of rendering proper assistance and 
attention to so large a number, that 165 deaths Avere the 
consequence.* 

• Connecticut Journal. 



80 



35. Father Ralle, the French Jesuit. 

During the war between England and France, and 
while Canada was in possession of the latter power, the 
Indians were often instigated by them to fall on the 
frontier settlements of the British colonies. In these 
proceedings, the French governor of Canada was much 
assisted by the Roman Catholic missionaries, who had 
attained a great ascendancy over the Indians. 

One of the most celebrated of these missionaries was 
Father Sebastian Rallc, a French Jesuit, who spent 
thirtjr-seven years among the Indian tribes, in the inte- 
rior parts of America, and learned most of their lan- 
guages. He was a man of learning and address ; and by 
a gentle, condescending deportment, and a compliance 
with the Indian modes and customs, he obtained a com- 
plete ascendancy over the natives ; and used his influ- 
ence to promote the interests of the French among 
them. " He even made the offices of devotion serve as 
incentives to their ferocity, and kept a flag, on which 
was depicted a cross, surrounded by bows and arrows, 
which he used to hoist on a pole at the door of his 
church, when he gave them absolution, previous to their 
engaging in any warlike enterprise.'' 

A dictionary of the Norridgewock language was 
found among Ralle's papers, composed by himself, and 
was deposited in the library of Harvard College. 

The English settlers, having for a number of years 
suffered from the depredations of the Indians in those 
parts, in the year 1722 sent Col. Westbrook, with 230 
men, to seize Ralle, who was regarded as the principal 
instigator ; but he escaped into the woods, and they 
merely brought ofT his strong box of papers. The In- 
dians, to revenge this attempt to carry oft' their spiritual 
father, CMBmitted various acts of hostility, and at length 
destroyed the towni of BerAvick. This last act determined 
the government to issue a declaration of war, and send 
an expedition against Norridgewock, and intrust the 
execution of it to Captains Moulton and Harman. These 



81 



officers, each at the head of one hundred men, invested 
and surprised that village, killed the obnoxious Jesuit, 
with about eighty of his Indians, recovered three cap- 
tives, destroyed the chapel, brought away the plate and 
furniture of the altar, and a devotional flag, as trophies 
of their victory.* 



36. Natchez Indians Extirpated. 

In 1729, the Natchez, an Indian nation on the Mis- 
sissippi, formed a general conspiracy to massacre the 
French colonists of Louisiana. M. de Chepar, who 
commanded at the post of the Natchez, had been some- 
what embroiled with the natives ; but they so far dis- 
sembled as to excite the belief that the French had no 
allies more faithful than they. The plot having been 
deeply laid, they appeared in great numbers about the 
French houses, on the 28th of November, telling the 
people that they were going a hunting. They sang after 
the calumet, in honour of the French commandant and 
his company. Each having returned to his post, a sig- 
nal was given, and instantly the general massacre began. 
Two hundred Frenchmen were killed. Of all the peo- 
ple of Natchez, not more than twenty French, and five 
or six negroes, escaped. One hundred and fifty children, 
eighty women, and nearly as many negroes, were made 
prisoners. 

M. Perier, governor of Louisiana, resolved on an ex- 
pedition against the Natchez, to revenge the massacre 
of the French. M. le Sueur, whom he had sent to the 
Choctaws, to engage their assistance, arrived in Februa- 
ry near the Natchez, at the head of fifteen or sixteen 
hundred Choctaw warriors ; and was joined in [March 
by a body of French troops under M. de Lubois, king's 
lieutenant, who had the chief command of the expedition. 
The army encamped near the ruins of the old French 
lettlement, and after resting there five days, marched to 
♦ Holmes' American Annals. 



82 

the enemy's fort, which was a league distant. After 
opening the trenches, and firing several days on the 
fort without much effect, the Frencli at last approached 
so near, that the Natchez sent conditi(Mial proposals of 
releasing all the French women and children in their 
possession ; but gaining time by negotiation, they silent- 
ly evacuated the fort in the night, with all their baggage 
and the French plunder. The French prisoners, how- 
ever, were ransomed ; the stockade fort of the Natchez 
was demolished ; a terrace fort built in its place; and a 
garrison of one hundred and twenty men left there, with 
cannon and ammunition. 

M. Perier, learning afterwards that the Natchez had 
retired to the west of the Mississippi, near the Silver 
Creek, about sixty leagues from the mouth of Red Ri- 
ver, applied to the French court for succours to reduce 
them. M. Perier de Salvert, brother of the governor, 
arriving from France, with a hundred and fifty soldiers 
of the marine, the two brothers set out with their army, 
and arrived without obstruction near the retreat of the 
Natchez. The enemy, terrified at their approach, shut 
themselves up in a fort which they had built ; but were 
soon forced, by the fire from the French mortars, to 
make signals for capitulation. The French army car- 
ried the Natchez to New-Orleans, where they were con- 
fined in separate prisons ; and afterwards were trans- 
ported as slaves to St. Domingo. Thus that nation, the 
most illustrious in Louisiana, and the most useful to the 
French, were destroyed.* 



37. Negro Insurreclion in Carolina, 

In 1738, the Spaniards attempted to seduce the ne- 
groes of South Carolina, who amounted at that time to 
the formidable number of forty thousand. 

Liberty and protection had long been promised and 
proclaimed to them by the Spaniards of St. Augustine ; 
♦ Holmes' American Annals, 



and emissaries had been sent among them, to persuade 
them to fly from slavery to Florida. The influence of 
these measures Avas such as might have been expected. 
An insurrection of negroes broke out this year in the 
heart of Carolina. A number of them having collected 
at Stono, surprised and killed two men in a warehouse, 
from which they took guns and annnunition, chose a 
captain, and, with colours and drums, began a march 
toward the south-west, burning every house, and kill- 
ing every white person in their way, and compelling the 
negroes to join them. Governor Bull, returning to 
Charleston from the southward, and meeting them arm- 
ed, hastened out of their way and spread the alarm. It 
soon reached Wiltown, where a large Presb}'terian as- 
sembly was attending divine service. The men, who, 
according to a law of the province, had brought their 
arms to the place of worship, left the women in the 
church, and instantly marched in quest of the negroes, 
who by this time had become formidable, and spread 
desolation above twelve miles. Availing themselves of 
their superior military skill, and of the intoxication of 
several of the negroes, they attacked the great body of 
them in the open field, killed some, and dispersed the 
rest. Most of the fugitives Avere taken and tried. They 
who had been compelled to join the conspirators Avere 
pardoned ; but all the chosen leaders and first insurgents 
suffered death.* 



38. 1/i.i-asio/i of Georgia. 

In 1742, two years after the declaration of AA-ar by 
England against Spain, the Spaniards attacked Georgia. 
A Spanish armament, consisting of thirty-two sail, AA-ith 
three thousand men, under command of Don Manuel de 
Monteano, sailed from St. Augustine, and arrived in the 
river Altamaha. The expedition, although fitted out at 
great expease, failed of accomplishing its object. 
* Holmes' American Annals. 



84 

General Oglethorpe was at this time at Fort Simons. 
Finding- himself unable to retain possession of it, having 
but about. seven hundred men, he spiked his cannon, 
and destroying his military stores, retreated to his head 
quarters at Frcderica. 

On the first prospect of an invasion, General Ogle- 
thorpe had applied to the governor of South Carolina 
for assistance; but the Carolinians fearing for the safety 
of their own territory, and not approving of General 
Oglethorpe's management in his late expedition against 
St. Augustine, declined furnishing troops, but voted 
supplies. 

In this state of danger and perplexity, the general re- 
sorted to stratagem. A French soldier belonging to 
his army deserted to the enemy. Fearing the conse- 
quences of their learning his weakness, he devised a 
plan by which to destroy the credit of any information 
that the deserter might give. 

With this view, he wrote a letter to the French de- 
serter in the Spanish camp, addressing him as if he 
were a spy of the English. This letter he bribed a 
Spanish captive to deliver, in which he directed the 
deserter tcJ state to the Spaniards, that he was in a 
weak and defenceless condition, and to urge them to an 
attack. 

Should he not be able, however, to persuade them to 
do this, he wished him to induce them to continue three 
days longer at their quarters, in which time he expected 
two thousand men and six British men of war from 
Carolina. The above letter, as was intended, was de- 
livered to the Spanish general, instead of the deserter, 
who immediately put the latter in irons. 

A council of war was called, and while deliberating 
upon the measures which should be taken, three supply 
ships, which had been voted by Carolina, appeared in 
sight. Imagining these to be the men of war alluded 
to in the letter, the Spaniards in great haste fired the fort, 
and embarked, leaving behind them several cannon, and 
a quantity of provision. By this artful, but justifiable 
expedient, the country was relieved of its invaders, and 




^^ 



.85 

Georgia, and probably a great part of South Carolina, 
was saved from ruin.* 



39. Capture of Louisburg. 

Great Britain having declared war against France, 
in March, 1744, the legislature of Massachusetts plan- 
ned a daring but successful enterprise against Louis- 
burg, a strong fortress belonging to the French, on the 
island of Cape Breton. The place had been fortified 
by the French, at a.n expense of five millions and a 
half of dollars, and on account of its strength, was some- 
times called the " Gibraltar of America." About 4000 
troops from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New- 
Hampshire, under the command of Col. William Peper* 
ell, sailed from Boston in the last week of March, 1745. 
The expedition was undertaken without the knowledge 
of the government of England; but a request had been 
made to Commodore Warren, then in the West Indies, 
to assist ^the expedition. He accordingly arrived at 
Louisburg, with a GO gun ship, and two or three fri- 
gates. In the last of April, the troops, 3,800 in num- 
ber, landed at Chapeaurogue bay. The transports 
had been discovered early in the morning from the town, 
which Avas the first notice they had of the design. In 
the night of May 2, 400 men burned the warehouses 
containing the naval stores. The French were alarmed, 
spiked the guns, flung their powder into a well, and 
abandoning the fort, fled to the city. The New Eng- 
land troops cheerfully submitted to extreme hardships ; 
for fourteen nights successively, they were yoked to- 
gether like oxen, dragging cannon and mortars through 
a morass of two miles. The commanding artillery of 
the enemy forbade this toil in the day. No people on 
earth, perhaps, are more capable of such laborious and 
daring exploits, than the independent farmers of New 
England. On the 17th of June the garrison capitulated; 
• Goodrich's Hist, of the United States. 

a 



/ 



86 

but the flag of France was kept flyingf, which decoyed 
into the harbour ships of the enemy, to the value of 
600,000/. sterling. The weather during the siege was 
fine, but the day following, the rains began, which con- 
tinued ten days, and must have proved fatal to the pro- 
vincial troops, had not the capitulation prevented. This 
expedition was one of the most celebrated and remarka- 
ble events in the history of North America. It dis- 
played, in a forcible manner, the enterprising spirit of 
the New England people ; and though it enabled Britain 
to purchase a peace, yet it excited her jealousy against 
the colonies by whose exertions it was acquired. 

The news of this victory quickly passed through the 
country. Pious and considerate persons, with emotions 
of gratitude and admiration, remarked the coincidence 
of many events and circumstances, on which the suc- 
cess of the expedition essentially depended. While 
the enterprise, patriotism, and firmness, of .the colonists 
were justly extolled for projecting and executing a great 
design, attended with hardships and dangers never be- 
fore paralleled in America, it Avas also perceived that 
there was no small degree of temerity in the attempt, 
and that the propitious agency of divine providence 
throughout the whole was sinofularlv manifest.* 



40. V Anville^ s Expedition. 

The capture of Louisburg roused the French govern- 
ment to seek revenge. Avery large fleet, in 1746, was 
sent from France, under the command of the Duke 
D'Anville, to America. This fleet consisted of about 

* The celebrated Mr. Wliitefield was preaching in Boston at the 
time the expedition was fitting out, and one of the otficers told him 
that he must " favour the expedition," otherwise the serious people 
would be discouraged from enlisting; not only so, but insisted that 
he should give him a motto for his tiag for the encouragement of his 
soldiers. After considerable hesitation, the officer takmg no denial, 
he at last gave one : nil desperandum Christo ditce—^'U Christ be 
captain, no fear of defeat." Upon this, great numbers enlisted : and 
at the request of the officers, he preached a discourse to the soldiers 
on the occasion. 



87 

forty ships of war, besides transports ; and brought over 
between three and four thousand regular troops, with 
veteran officers, and all kinds of military stores; the 
most powerful armament that had ever been sent to 
North America. The object of this armament was sup- 
posed to be, to recover Louisburg; to take Annapolis; 
to break up the settlements on the eastern coast of Mas- 
sachusetts ; and to distress, if not attempt to conquer, 
the whole country of New England. The troops des- 
tined for Canada, had now sufficient employment at 
home; and the militia were collected to join them. The 
old forts on the sea coast were repaired; new forts were 
erected, and military guards appointed. The country 
was kept in a state of anxiety and fear six Aveeks, when 
it was relieved by intelligence of the disabled state of the 
enemJ^ The French fleet had sustained much damage 
by storms, and great loss by shipwreck. An expected 
junction of M. Conflans, with three ships, of the line 
and a frigate from Hispaniola, had failed. A pestilen- 
tial fever prevailed among the French troops. Inter- 
cepted letters, opened in a council of war, raising the 
expectation of the speedy arrival of an English fleet, 
caused a division among the officers. Under the pres- 
sure of these adverse occurrences, D'Anville was either 
seized with an apoplectic fit, or took a poisonous 
draught, and suddenly expired. D'Estournelle, who 
succeeded him in the command of the fleet, proposed, in 
a council of officers, to abandon the expedition, and re- 
turn to France. The rejection of this proposal, caused 
such extreme agitation as to bring on a fever, which, 
threw him into delirium, and he fell on his sword. The 
French, thus disconcerted in tlieir plan, resolved to 
make an attempt on Annapolis; but having sailed from 
Chebucto, tliey were overtaken by a violent tempest, off 
Cape Sable, and what ships escaped destructioH, returned 
singly to France, 

A more remarkable instance of preservation seldom 
occurs. Had the project of the enemy succeeded, it is 
impossible to determine to what extent the American 
colonies would have been distressed or desolated. When 



man is made the instrument of averting public calamity, 
the divine agency ought still to be acknowledged ; but 
this was averted without human power. If philosophers 
would ascribe this event to blind chance, or fatal neces- 
sity, Christians will assuredly ascribe it to the operation 
of that Being who, in ancient times, caused the stars in 
their courses to fisfht aerainst Sisera.* 



41. Tumuli in Boston. 

In the year 1747, a great tumult was raised in the 
town of Boston. Commodore Knowles, while lying at 
Nantucket with a number of men of w^ar, losing some 
of his sailors by desertion, thought it reasonable that 
Boston should supply him with as many men as he had 
lost. He therefore sent his boats up to town early in 
the morning, and surprised not only as many seamen as 
could be found on board any of the ships, outward bound 
as well as others, but swept the wharves, taking some 
ship-carpenters' apprentices, and labouring landmen. 
This conduct w-as universally resented as outrageous. 
A mob was soon collected. As soon as it was dusk, 
several thousand people assembled in King's-street, be- 
low the town-house, where the general court was sitting. 
Stones and brickbats were thrown into the council cham- 
ber through the windows. A judicious speech of the 
governor from the balcony, greatly disapproving of the 
impress, promising his utmost endeavours to obtain the 
discharge of the persons impressed, and gently repre- 
hending the irregular proceedings of the people, had 
no effect. Equally ineffectual were the attempts of 
other gentlemen to persuade them to disperse. The 
seizure and restraint of the commanders and other offi- 
cers who were in town were insisted on as the only ef- 
fectual method to procure the release of the inhabitants 
on board the ships. The militia of Boston w^as sum- 
moned the next day to the aid of the government, but re- 
* Holmes' Annals, 



89 

fused to appear. The governor, judging it inexpedient 
to remain in town another night, withdrew to Castle 
William. Letters, in the mean time, were continually 
passing between him and the commodore. The coun- 
cil and house of representatives now passed some 
vigorous resolutions ; and the tumultuous spirit began 
to subside. The inhabitants assembled in town meeting, 
while they expressed their sense of the great insult and 
injury by the impress, condemned the riotous transac- 
tions. The militia of the town the next day promptly 
made their appearance, and conducted the governor 
with great pomp to his house. The commodore dis- 
missed most, if not all, of the inhabitants who had been 
impressed ; and the squadron sailed, to the joy and re- 
pose of the town.* 



42. BraddocK s Defeat. 

The encroachments of the French, and the erection 
by them of a chain of forts on the back settlements of 
the colonies, occasioned the British ministry to take mea- 
sures to possess themselves of these forts, and drive the 
French from the country. 

In the spring of 1755, General Braddock arrived in 
Virginia, with tv/o regiments, and was soon joined by 
Colonel Washington, (afterwards General Washington,) 
with a body of colonial troops ; the whole force, two 
thousand men, took up their march for the French fort 
on the Ohio. General Braddock, on the 9th July, with 
twelve hundred of his troops, was within seven miles of 
Du Quesne, a French fortress, which stood where Pitts- 
burg is now built. Here Colonel Washington, who un- 
derstood the Indian mode of warfare better than his 
general, requested him to reconnoitre with his Virginia 
riflemen. But General Braddock, who held the Ameri- 
can officers in contempt, rejected Washington's counsel, 
and swelling with rage, replied with an oath, " High 
* Holmes' Annals. 



90 

times ! high times ! when a young buckskin com teach a 
British General hoiv to fight !" The troops advanced 
in heavy columns, and passing a narrow defile they fell . 
into an ambush of French and Indians, who opened a 
deadly fire upon the English and American troops, who 
were obliged to fire at random, as they could not see 
their foe. 

The slaughter at this crisis was dreadful ; particular- 
ly among the officers ; and Washington was the only 
one on horseback, who Avas not either killed or wound- 
ed.* He had two horses shot under him, and four bul- 
lets passed through his coat. Braddock,' if deficient 
in other military virtues, was not destitute of courage. 
Amidst a shower of bullets he encouraged his men to 
stand their ground by his countenance and example. 
But valour and discipline in this mode of warfare were 
useless : the action lasted three hours, and seven hun- 
dred men were killed on the spot. Braddock, after 
having three horses killed under him, received a mortal 
wound ; and his troops fled in extreme dismay and con- 
fusion. The Virginians, who were the last to leave the 
field, formed after the action by the prudent valour of 
Washington, covered the retreat of the regulars, and 
saved them from entire destruction. 



43. Massacre at Fort William Henry. 

In the year 1757, Mons. Montcalm, with a body of 
1 1,000 regular French troops and Canadians, with two 
thousand Indians, laid siege to Fort William Henry. 
This fort was defended by a garrison of but 2,300 men, 
British and Provincials, under the command of Colonel 
Monro. The garrison made a brave resistance, and 
would have probably preserved the fort, had they been 

* A noted Indian warrior, wlio acted a leading part in this bloody 
action, was often heard to swear, that " Washington uas never 
horn to be killed by u bullet .' For," continued he, " I had seventeen 
fair fires at him with my rifle, and after all could not bring him to 
the ground." 



91 

properly supported by the British army under General 
Webb, which was then encamped at Fort Edward. The 
general, however, sent to Colonel Monro, and informed 
him that he could not assist him, and ordered him to 
give up the fort on the best terms he could ; which u'as 
accordingly done. In consideration of the gallant de- 
fence the garrison had made, they were to be permitted 
to march out with all the honours of war, and with a 
guard to protect them from the fury of the savages. 
Soon after the capitulation was signed, the whole garri- 
son, besides women and children, were drawn up within 
the lines, and on the point of marching oft^ when great 
numbers of the Indians gathered about and began to 
plunder, and soon after some of them began to attack 
the sick and wounded, when such were not able to crawl 
into the ranks ; and notwithstanding they endeavoured 
to avert the fury of their enemies, by their shrieks and 
groans, they were soon murdered. 

The brave Col. Monro hastened away, soon after the 
confusion began, to the French camp, to endeavour to 
procure the guard agreed by stipulation, but his appli- 
cation proved ineffectual. By this time the tvar-whooj) 
was given, and the Indians began to murder those who 
were nearest them without distinction. " It is not in the 
power of words," says the narrator, who was one of this 
ill-fated garrison, "to give any tolerable idea of the hor- 
rid scene that now ensued : men, women, and children, 
were despatched in the most wanton and cruel manner, 
and immediately scalped. Many of the savages drank 
the blood of their victims as it flowed warm from the 
fatal wound." 

The garrison now perceived, though too late to avail 
them, that they were to expect no relief from the French, 
who, instead of fulfilling their promises to furnish a 
guard to protect them, seemed tacitly to permit their 
savage allies to perpetrate these horrid atrocities. A 
few of the most resolute men, seeing no other probable 
way of preserving their lives, made a desperate eflbrt, 
broke their way through the surrounding savages, and 
escaped. 



92 

It was computed that fifteen hundred persons were 
killed or made prisoners by these savages during this 
fatal day. Many of the latter were carried off by them, 
and never returned. A few, through favourable acci- 
dents, found their way back to their native country, after 
having experienced a long and painful captivity. 



44. Abercrojnbie' s Defeat. 

The French had erected a fort at Ticonderoga, at the 
point of communication between Lake George, South 
Bay, and Lake Champlain. To dispossess them of this 
important place, an army, under General Abercrombie, 
was sent against it. His force consisted of 16,000 men, 
of which 6,000 were British regulars, and 10,000 were 
colonial troops. On the 5th of July, 1758, he embarked 
his troops on Lake George, on board 125 whale boats 
and 900 batteaux. The imposing splendour of the 
military parade on this occasion, is thus described by 
Dr. Dwight : — " The morning was remarkably bright 
and beautiful ; and the fleet moved with exact regularity 
to the sound of fine martial music. The ensigns waved 
and glittered in the sunbeams, and the anticipation of 
future triumph shone in every eye. Above, beneath, 
around, the scenery was that of enchantment. Rarely 
has the sun, since that luminary was lighted up in the 
heavens, dawned on such a complication of beauty and 
magnificence." 

After disembarking from the batteaux, the army form- 
ed in four columns, and began their march through the 
woods to Ticonderoga. When approaching the fort, a 
skirmish took place Avith the enemy, in which Lord 
Howe, the idol of the army, was killed ; on seeing him 
fall, the troops moved forward, determined to avenge 
his death, About 300 of the enemy were killed on the 
spot, and 148 taken. Abercrombie having received in- 
formation that the garrison consisted of about 6,000 men, 
and that a reinforcement of 3,000 more were daily ex- 



93 

pected, determined to attack their lines. Without gain- 
ing a proper knowledge of the works of the enemy, or 
of the proper points of attack, Abercrombie ordered an 
immediate assault. " The army advanced to the charge 
with the greatest intrepidity, and for more than two 
hours, with incredible obstinacy, maintained the attack. 
But the works, where the principal attack was made, 
were eight or nine feet high, and impregnable, even by 
field pieces ; and for nearly one hundred yards from the 
breast work, trees were felled so thick, and wrought 
together with their limbs pointed outward, that it ren- 
dered the approach of the troops in a great measure 
impossible. In this dreadful situation, under the fire of 
about three thousand of the enemy, these gallant troops 
were kept, without the least prospect of success, until 
nearly two thousand were killed or wounded." After 
a contest of four hours, Abercrombie ordered a retreat ; 
and the next day resumed his former camp on the south 
side of Lake George. 



45. Capture of Quebec. 

The capture of Quebec, in 1759, was the most bril- 
liant and important event which took place during the 
French war ; it gave the death blow to the French 
power in America. The command of the important 
expedition against Quebec was intrusted to Gen. James 
Wolfe, a young officer, who had distinguished himself 
at the capture of Louisburg. 

The army, amounting to 8,000 men, landed in June, 
on the island of Orleans, below Quebec. The city of 
Quebec stands on a rock, at the confluence of Charles 
and Iroquois rivers; it is naturally a place of great 
strength, and was well fortified and defended by a force 
of 10,000 men, under the command of General Mont- 
calm. Gen. Wolfe had to contend with immense diffi- 
culties, and after having failed in several attempts to re- 
duce the city, he conceived the bold project of ascending-, 



94 

with his troops, a steep, craggy cliffy of from 150 to 200' 
feet, by which he would reach the plains of Abrahain,^ 
south and Avest of the city. This almost incredible en-j 
terprise was effected in the night ; and by daylight, Sept. 
13, the army was formed, and ready to meet the enemy. ^ 
The battle which took place, is thus described by Mr. I 
Goodrich, in his History of the Unhed States. 

" To Montcalm, the intelligence that the English were' 
occupying the heights of Abraham, was most surprising.) 
The impossibility of ascending the precipice he consi-i 
dered certain, and therefore had taken no measures toi 
fortify its line. But no sooner was he informed of the^ 
position of the English army, than he perceived a battlej 
no longer to be avoided, and prepared to fight. Between 
nine and ten o'clock, the two armies, about equal inj 
numbers, met face to face. i 

" The battle now commenced. Inattentive to the firei 
of a body of Canadians and Indians, 1500 of whom: 
Montcalm had stationed in the corn-fields and bushes, j 
Wolfe directed his troops to reserve their fire for thei 
main body of the French, now rapidly advancing. Onj 
their approach within 40 yards, the English opened] 
their fire, and the destruction became immense. j 

" The French fought bravely, but their ranks becamel 
disordered, and notwithstanding the repeated efforts of 
their officers to form them and renew the attack, they 
were so successfully pushed by the British bayonet, andi 
hewn down by the Highland broadsword, that their 
discomfiture was complete. . ! 

" During the action, Montcalm was on the French^ 
left, and Wolfe on the English right, and here they both' 
fell in the critical moment that decided the victory. 
Early in the battle, Wolfe received a ball in the wrist,j 
but binding his handkerchief around it, he continued to 
encourage his men. Shortly after, another ball pene- 
trated his groin; but this wound, although much morCi 
severe, he concealed, and continued to urge on the con- 
test, till a third ||)ullet pierced his breast. He was now] 
obliged, though reluctant, to be carried to the rear of th^j 
line. ' 



95 

" Gen. Monckton succeeded to the command, but was 
immediately wounded, and conveyed away. In this 
critical state of the action, the command devolved on 
Gen. Townsend. Gen. Montcalm, fighting in front of 
his battalion, received a mortal wound about the same 
time, and General Jennezergus, his second in command, 
fell near his side. 

" Wolfe died in the field, before the battle was ended; 
but he lived long enough to know that the victory was 
his. While leaning on the shoulder of a lieutenant, 
who kneeled to support him, he was seized Avith the 
agonies of death ; at this moment Avas heard the distant 
sound, ' They fly, they fly.' The hero raised his droop- 
ing head, and eagerly asked, ' Who fly ?' Being told 
that it was the French, ' Then,' he replied, ' I die hap- 
py,' and expired. 

" ' This death,' says Professor Silliman, ' has furnish- 
ed a grand and pathetic subject for the painter, the poet, 
and the historian ; and, undoubtedly, (considered as a 
specimen of mere military glory,) it is one of the most 
sublime that the annals of war afford.' 

"Montcalm was every way worthy of being the com- 
petitor of Wolfe. In talents, in military skill, in per- 
sonal courage, he Avas not his inferior. Nor Avas his 
death much less sublime. He li\-ed to be carried to the 
city, Avhere his last moments AA'ere employed in Avriting, 
AA'ith his own hand, a letter to the English general, re- 
commending the French prisoners to his care and hu- 
manity. When informed that his AA'ound Avas mortal, he 
replied, ' I shall not then live to see the surrender of 
Quebec' " 



4G. War with the Cherokees. 

While the British and colonial troops Avere conquer- 
ing Canada, the Cherokees, a powerful tribe of Indians, 
were committing outrages on the frontiers of Virginia 
and Carolina. During the first years of the Avar with 



96 

the French, they espoused the cause of the English. But j 
having been treated with coolness and neglect, and the i 
murder of 12 or 15 of their warriors in the back parts j 
of Virginia, together with the imprudent and perfidious , 
conduct of Gov. Littleton of Carolina, who seized a ; 
number of their, chiefs as prisoners, while treating for] 
peace, the Cherokees were highly exasperated, and fell ; 
upon the frontier settlements, and perpetrated many : 
cruel ravages and murders. Gov. Littleton, with a body'| 
of troops, entered the country, and obliged the Indians | 
to sue for peace, which was granted. " But the savages j 
violated the treaty, and attempted to surprise a fort on ; 
the frontiers of Carolina. General Amherst, on appli- i 
cation, sent Colonel Montgomery, Avith twelve hundred 
troops, to protect the southern colonies. This officer 
penetrated into the heart of the Cherokee country, plun- j 
dering and destroying all the villages and magazines of] 
corn. In revenge, the savages besieged Fort Loudon, ; 
on the confines of Virginia ; the garrison, after being 
reduced to extreme distress, capitulated ; but on their ] 
march towards Carolina, a body of savages fell upon i 
the party, and murdered five and twenty of them, with 
all the officers, except Captain Stuart. Colonel Mont- 1 
gomery being obliged by his orders to return to Cana- 
da, the Carolinians were alarmed for the safety of the 
colony, and prevailed with him to leave four companies \ 
of men for their defence. Canada being entirely sub- ; 
dued. General Amherst sent Colonel Grant, with a body 
of troops, who landed at Charleston early in 176L ! 
These troops, being joined by a regiment of colonial 
forces, under Colonel Middleton, undertook an expedi- 
tion into the Cherokee country. i 
" In May, the army, consisting of two thousand and ' 
six hundred men, advanced to Fort Prince George. ' 
Here Attakullakulla, having heard of the army's ad* ' 
vancing against his nation, met Colonel Grant, and re- , 
peatedly entreated him, by his friendship, and the many i 
good services he had performed for the English, that : 
he would proceed no farther, until he had once more | 
used his influence with his nation to bring them to an , 




BTUKE ]D)'A1TVTL!L1JE.''8 IFUJEJET, 
w/iic/i t/tr^ii/erit'if NewEu^Jaiiid in J/^d. mis ovt^/eiken hv a ttmipest o^ 
I'fi^v SiiMe" ,<i' what sAips e.<:)\ipai dea/mr/um . ri-^ma-f s/ti^/v 6^ Sm/uv 




/« //if .■tumiiifr iif l7:i'J. Dr. hatiklm iiw.t nuiiUil tp make a ffran// nnJ 
iisrlitl ili.tivyrrv rrspcfhiii] Ehclrintv /><■ tin r.vpi-rimmt in Phi/tifirJ/'llui. 



or 

accommodation ; but Colonel Grant would not listen to 
his solicitations. He immediately began his march for 
the middle settlements. A party of ninety Indians and 
thirty woodmen, painted like Indians, marched in front 
of the army, and scoured the woods. After them fol- 
lowed the light infanti'y, and about fifty rangers, con- 
sisting of about two hundred men. By the vigilance 
and activity of these, the colonel designed to secure the 
main army from annoyance and surprise. During three 
days, he made forced marches, whh a view to pass a 
number of dangerous defiles, which might cost him 
dear, should the enemy first get the possession, and 
warmly dispute the passage. These he passed safely. 
But the next day, advancing into suspicious grounds, on 
all sides, orders were given to prepare for action ; ar>d 
that the guards should advance slowly, doubling their 
circumspection. While the army was advancing in 
this cautious manner, about eight o'clock in the morn- 
ing, the enemy were discovered by the advanced guard, 
nearly in the same ground where they had attacked 
Colonel Montgomery the preceding year. Rushing 
down from the high grounds, they furiously attacked the 
advanced guard. This was supported, and the action 
became general. A party of the enemy, driven from 
the low grounds, immediately ascended the hills, under 
which the whole line was obliged to pass. On the left 
was a river, from the opposite bank of which, they re- 
ceived a hea\y fire as they advanced. While the line 
faced and gave their whole fire to the Indians on the 
bank of the river, a party was ordered to ascend the 
hills and drive the enemy from their heights. No sooner 
were tliey driven from the heights, than they returned 
with redoubled fury to the charge in the low grounds. 
These it appeared to be their resolution obstinately to 
dispute. The situation of the troops soon became criti- 
cal and distressing. They had been greatly fatigued 
by forced marches in rainy weather. They were galled 
by the fire of the enemy, and so compassed with woods, 
that they neither could discern nor approach them, but 
with great difficulty and danger. When they were 
9 



98 

pressed they always kept at a distance ; but, rallying, 
returned again to the charge with the same fierceness 
and resolution. No sooner were they driven from one 
place, than they sprung up like furies in another. While 
the attention of the colonel was directed to the enemy 
on the banks of the river, and he was employed in 
driving them from their lurking places on that side, they 
made so furious an attack on his rear guard, that he 
was obliged to order a detachment back to its relief, to 
save his cattle, provisions, and baggage. From nine 
in the morning to eleven o'clock, did the enemy main- 
tain the fight. Every where did the woods resound 
with the roar of arms, and with the shouts and hideous 
yellings of the savages. At length they gave way, but 
as they were pursued, they kept up a scattering fire un- 
til two o'clock ; after that they entirely disappeared. 

" What loss the enemy suffered, was not known. The 
loss of Colonel Grant was about sixty men killed and 
wounded. The army advanced as soon as possible, and 
about midnight arrived at Etchoe, a large Indian town. 
The next morning, it was reduced to ashes. There i 
were fourteen towns in the middle settlements, which ] 
soon shared the same fate. The enemy's magazines and i 
even their cornfields, which are reported to have amount- i 
ed to fourteen hundred acres, were utterly destroyed, i 
The miserable inhabitants stood the silent spectators of 
this general and merciless destruction. They were < 
obliged to retire to starve in the thickets, swamps, and ' 
mountains. Nearly the same barbarities were com- I 
mitted against them, by a civilized and Christian people, j 
of which we so much complain when they are perpe- ! 
trated against us."* 

After destroying the Indian towns, the army repaired 
to Fort Prince George, for rest and refreshment. A * 
short time after, a number of Indian chiefs arrived with ^ 
proposals of peace, which w-ere gladly received, and ' 
peace concluded. 

♦ Dr. Trumbull. 



99 



47. Expeditions against the Spanish Settlements in the 
West Indies. 

In 1740, war having been declared by Great Britain 
against Spain, expeditions were undertaken against the 
Spanish West Indies, Porto Bello, Carthagena, and 
Cuba. Requisitions were made on the colonies to as- 
sist in these enterprises. Four regiments were raised 
from the American colonies, for these expeditions ; and 
the several colonies were at the charge of levy money, 
provisions, and transports, for their several (quotas. 
An armament from Great Britain, under the conunand 
of Lord Cathcart, sailed from the West Indies, and 
formed a junction with Vice Admiral Vernon's fleet at 
Jamaica. Lord Cathcart having died in the West In- 
dies before the complete junction of the fleets. Admiral 
Vernon found himself at the head of the most formida- 
ble fleet and army ever sent into those seas. The whole 
fleet consisted of twenty-nine ships of the line, with 
nearly the same number of frigates, besides fire-ships 
and bomb-ketches. The number of seamen amounted 
to 15,000; the land forces, including the four regiments 
from the colonies, were not less than 12,000. Vernon 
having taken and plundered Porto Bello, now proceeded 
with his fleet, and land forces, under General Went- 
worth, to attack Carthagena. After demolishing the 
strong forts and castles in the harbour, an attack was 
made by Wentworth upon the town ; but he was obliged 
to retire, with the loss of four or five hundred men. In 
July the combined forces made an attempt on the Island 
of Cuba. They possessed themselves of a fine harbour, 
but by reason of an extraordinary sickness and mortality, 
they were not able to effect any thing of consequence. 

" According to the accounts given of the sickness, it 
v/as nearly as mortal as the plague. More than a thou- 
sand men died in a day, for several days. Of nearly 
1000 men from New England, not 100 returned; of 500 
men from Massachusetts, 50 only returned."* 
* Dr. Trumbull. 



100 

In 1762, Admiral Pocock, with a fleet of thirty-seven 
ships of war, and about one hundred and fifty trans- 
ports, with a land force of about 15,000 men, under the 
command of Lord Albemarle, arrived before Havana on 
the 5th of June. On the 17th the troops landed, and 
after a siege of more than two months, in which the 
besieging army showed the most invincible courage, 
patience, and perseverance, this important place capitu- 
lated to his Britannic majesty. 

In this siege, before the middle of July, the army in 
this unwholesome and burning region, was reduced to 
half its original number. Many of the soldiers dropped 
down dead under the pressure of heat, thirst, and fa- 
tigue. A considerable number of colonial troops enlist- 
ed under their own officers, and served in this ardoous 
enterprise. 

Of the troops from New England, scarcely any of the 
private soldiers, and but few of the officers, ever returned. 
Such as were not killed in the service, were generally 
swept away by the great mortality which prevailed in 
the army and navy. 



48. Dr. Franklin! s Experiment in Electricity. 

In the summer of 1752, Dr. Franklin was enabled to, 
make a grand and unparalleled discovery respecting 
electricity, by an experiment. 

At this time the subject of electricity was a new sci- 
ence, and the philosophers of Europe were busy with it. 

Dr. Franklin, in his studies and reasonings on the 
subject, took up the idea that the thunder and lightning 
of the heavens were caused by electricity, and conceived 
the bold idea, that the electric fluid might be conducted, 
by sharp pointed iron rods, raised upon houses, ships, 
&c., to the ground or water, and thus preserve them from 
injury. 

" The plan which he had originally proposed, was, 
to erect on some high tower, or other elevated place, ^ 



101 

sentry box, from which should rise a pointed iron rod, 
iiisulated by being fixed in a cake of rosin. Electrified 
clouds passing over this, would, he conceived, impart to 
it a portion of their electricity, which would be rendered 
evident to the senses by sparks being emitted, when a 
key, the knuckle, or other conductor, was presented to 
it Philadelphia at this time aflbrded no opportunity of 
trying an experiment of this kind. Whilst Franklin 
was waiting for the erection of a spire, it occurred to him, 
that he might have more ready access to the region of 
the clouds by means of a common kite. He prepared 
one by attaching two cross sticks to a silk handkerchief, 
which would not suffer so much from the rain as paper. 
To the upright stick was affixed an iron point. The 
string was, as usual, of hemp, except the lower end, which 
was silk. Where the hempen string was terminated, a 
key was fastened. With this apparatus, on the appear- 
ance of a thunder gust approaching, he went out on the 
commons, accompanied by his son, to whom alone he 
communicated his intentions, well knowing the ridicule 
which, too generally for the interest of science, awaits 
unsuccessful experiments in philosophy. He placed 
himself under a shed to avoid the rain. His kite was 
raised. A thunder cloud passed over it. No sign of 
electricity appeared. He almost despaired of success ; 
when suddenly he observed the loose fibres of the string 
to move towards an erect position. He now presented 
his knuckle to the key, and received a strong spark. 
On this experiment depended the fate of his theory. If 
he succeeded, his name would rank high amongst those 
who have improved science ; if he failed, he must inevi- 
tably be subjected to the derision of mankind, or, what 
is worse, their pity, as a well meaning man, but a weak, 
silly projector. The anxiety with which he looked for 
the result of this experiment, may easily be con- 
ceived. Doubts and despair had begun to prevail, when 
the fact was ascertained in so clear a manner, that even 
the most incredulous could no longer withhold their 
assent. Repeated sparks were drawn from the key, a 
vial was charged, a shock given, and all the experi- 
9* 



102 

ments made, which are usually performed with elec- 
tricity." 

By this and other experiments, Franklin's theory was 
established in the most convincing manner. When it 
Avas known that an American, an inhabitant of the ob- 
scure city of Philadelphia, was able to make discove- 
ries and to frame theories, which had escaped the notice 
of the enlightened philosophers of Europe, it was quite 
mortifying to the pride of their scientific societies. 



49. Whitefield, the celebrated Preacher. 

The Rev. George Whitefield, a clergyman of the 
Church of England, first arrived in this country in the 
year 1738. He landed in Savannah, Geo., and laid the 
foundation of an orphan house a iew miles from Savan- 
nah, and afterwards finished it at great expense. He 
returned to England the same year. On the following 
year he returned back to America, landed at Philadel- 
phia, and began to preach in different churches. In this, 
and in his subsequent visits to America, he visited most of 
the principal places in the colonies. Immense numbers 
of people flocked to hear him, wherever he preached. 

" The effects produced in Philadelphia and other 
places, were truly astonishing. Numbers of almost all 
religious denominations, and many who had no connex- 
ion with any denomination, were brought to inquire 
with the utmost eagerness, what they should do to be 
saved. Such was the eagerness of the multitude in Phi- 
ladelphia, to listen to spiritual instruction, that there was 
public worship regularly twice a day for a year : and on 
the Lord's day it was celebrated thrice or four times. 

" During his visit to Philadelphia, he preached fre- 
quently after night, from the gallery of the court-house, 
in Market-street. So loud was his voice at that time, 
that it was distinctly heard on the Jersey shore, and so 
distinct was his speech, that every word he said was un- 
derstood on board a shallop, at Market-street wharf, a 



103 

distance of upwards of 400 feet from the court-house. 
All the intermediate space was crowded with his hear- 
ers." He uas truly remarkable for his uncommon elo- 
quence, and fervent zeal. His eloquence was indeed 
very great, and of the truest kind. He was utterly de- 
void of all affectation; the importance of his subject, 
and the regard due to his hearers, engrossed all his con- 
cern. Every accent of his voice spoke to the ear, every 
feature of his face, every motion of his hands, and every 
gesture, spoke to the eye; so that the most dissipated 
and thoughtless found their attention arrested, and the 
dullest and most ignorant could not but understand. He 
appeared to be devoid of the spirit of sectarianism ; his 
only object seemed to be to "preach Christ and him 
crucified."* 

Mr. Whitefield died in Newburyport, Mass., on the 
30th of September, 1770, in the fifty-sixth year of his 
age, on his seventh visit to America — having been in 
the ministry thirty-four years. 



50. Col. Booyi^s Settlement of Kentucky. 

The country now called Kentucky was well known 
to the Indian traders, many years before its settlement. 
It, however, remained unexplored by the Virginians, 
till the year 1769, Avhen Col. Daniel Boon, and a few 
others, who conceived it to be an interesting object, 
undertook a journey for that purpose. After a long, 
fatiguing march, over a mountainous wdlderness, in a 

♦ The following anecdote respecting his manner of preaching, will 
serve to illustrate this part of his character. One day, while preach- 
ing from the balcony of the court-house, in Philadelphia, he cried out, 
"Farher Abraham, who have you got in heaven; any Episcopal^ 
ans?" "No!" " Any Presbyterians?" "No!" " Any Baptists?" 
"No!" "Have you any iV/efAodisi* there?" "No!" "Have you 
&ny Independents or Seceders?" "No! No!" "Why, who have 
you then T' " We don't know those names here ; all that are here 
are C"/iris<ian«— believers in Christ— men who have overcome by the 
blood of the Lamb, and the word of his testimony!" "0, is this 
the case? then God help me — God help us all to forget party names, 
and to become Christians in deed and m truth." 



104 

westerly direction, they at length arrived upon its borders, 
and, from the top of an eminence, " saw with pleasure 
the beautiful level of Kentucke. For some time," says 
Col. Boon, " we had experienced the most uncomfortable J 
weather. We now encamped, made a shelter to defend j 
us from the inclement season, and began to hunt and ! 
reconnoitre the country. We found abundance of wild ^ 
beasts in this vast forest. The buffaloes were more nu- | 
merous than cattle on other settlements, browsing on the 
leaves of the cane, or cropping the herbage on those ex- | 
tensive plains. We saw hundreds in a drove, and the | 
numbers about the salt springs were amazing. In this fo- 
rest, the habitation of beasts of every American kind, we i 
hunted with great success till December. j 

" On the 22d of December, John Stuart and I had a ; 
pleasing ramble; but fortune changed the day at the 
close of it. We had passed through a great forest, in 
which stood myriads of trees, some gay with blossoms, 
others rich with fruit. Nature was here a series of won- 
ders, and a fund of delight. Here she displayed her j 
ingenuity and industry in a variety of flowers and fruit, j 
beautifully coloured, elegantly shaped, and charmingly fla- • 
voured ; and we Avere diverted with numberless animals, 
presenting themselves perpetually to our view. In the 
decline of the day, near Kentucke river, as we ascended | 
the brow of a small hill, a number of Indians rushed j 
out of a thick cane-brake, and made us prisoners. The ' 
Indians plundered us, and kept us in confinement seven j 
days. During this, we discovered no uneasiness or de- j 
sire to escape, which made them less suspicious; but in j 
the dead of night, as we lay by a large fire, in a thick . 
cane-brake, when sleep had locked up their senses, my situ- 1 
ation not disposing me to rest, I gently awoke my compan- 
ion. We seized this favourable opportunity, and departed, 
directing our course towards our old camp; but found it i 
plundered, and our company dispersed or gone home. 

" About this time my brother. Squire Boon, with ano- 
ther adventurer, who came to explore the country shortly . 
after us, was wandering through the forest, and acci- 
dentally found our camp. Notwithstanding our ua- 



105 

fortunate circumstances, and our dangerous situation, 
surrounded with hostile savages, our meeting fortunately 
in the wilderness, gave us the most sensible satisfaction. 

" Soon after this, my companion in captivity, John 
Stuart, was killed by the savages; and the man that came 
with my brother returned home by himself. We were 
then in a dangerous, helpless situation; exposed daily 
to perils and death, amongst savages and wild beasts, not 
a white man in the country but ourselves. 

" Thus, many hundred miles from oVr families, in the 
howling wilderness, we did not coiitiri^^ in a state of 
indolence ; but hunted every day, and piV)ared a little 
cottage to defend us from the winter storms. We met 
with no disturbance during the winter. 

" On the first of May, 1770, my brother retiVrned home 
by himself, for a new recruit of horses and airununition, 
leaving me alone, without bread, salt, or sugaK or even 
a horse or dog. I passed a few days uricoimbrtably. 
The idea of a beloved wife and family, and theirVanxiety 
on my account, would have disposed, me to melancholy, 
if I farther indulged the thought. 

" One day I undertook a tour through tlie ,ebuntry, 
when the diversity and beauties of nature I mM with, in 
this charming season, expelled every gloomy \JLught. 
Just at the close of the day, the gentle gales ceasfeff; not 
a breath shook the tremulous leaf I had gained the 
summit of a commanding ridge, and looking rouncmvith 
astonishing delight, beheld the ample pJains and bt'au- 
teous tracts below. On the one hand I surveyed the 
famous Ohio, rolling in silent dignity, and marking the 
western boundary of Kentucke with inconceivable gran- 
deur. At a vast distance, I beheld the mountains lift 
their venerable brows, and penetrate the clouds. All 
things were still. I kindled a fire near a fountain of 
gweet water, and feasted on the loin of a buck, which a 
few hours before I had killed. The shades of night 
poon overspread the hemisphere, and the earth seemed to 
gasp after the hovering moisture. My excursion had 
fatigued my body and amused my mind. I laid me dowi> 
to sleep, and awoke not till the surj had chased away th^ 



106 ; 

night. I continued this tour, and in a few days explored , 

a considtrable part of the country; each day equally ' 

pleased as at first ; after which I returned to my old camp, , 

which had not been disturbed in my absence. I did not ; 

confine my lodging to it, but often reposed in thick cane- ' 

brakes, to avoid the savages, who, I believe, often visited i 

my camp, but, fortunately for me, in my absence. No I 

populous city, with all the varieties of commerce and I 

stately structures, could aflbrd so much pleasure to my . 

mind, as the beauties of nature I found in this country. \ 

" Until the 27th of July, I spent the time in an unin- I 

terrupted scene of sylvan pleasures, when my brother, to j 

my great felicity, met me, according to appointment, at i 

our old camp. Soon after, we left the place, and pro- ' 

ceeded to Cumberland river, reconnoitring that part of i 

the country, and giving names to the different rivers. In " 

March, 1771, I returned home to my family, being deter- . 

mined to bring them, as soon as possible, at the risk of ; 

my life and fortune, to reside in Kentucke, which I es- i 
teemed a second paradise. On my return, I found my 

family in happy circumstances. I sold my farm at Yad- i 

kin, and what goods we could not carry with us, and on ; 

the 25th of September, 1773, we bade farewell to our ( 

friends, and proceeded on our journey to Kentucke, in \ 

company with five more families, and forty men that ' 

joined us in Powell's valley. i 

" On the 10th of October the rear of our company was j 

attacked by a number of Indians, who killed six, and ' 

wounded one man ; of these, my eldest son was one that j 

fell in the action. Though we repulsed the enemy, yet | 
this unhappy affair scattered our cattle, brought us into 
extreme difficulty, and so discouraged the Avhole company, 
that we retreated forty miles to Clinch river." 

In April, 1775, Col. Boon, with a company of enter- 
prising men, after a number of contests with the Indians, 
erected the fort of Boonsborough, at a salt lick, sixty 
yards from the river, on the south side. Col. Boon says, 
"on the 14th of June, having finished the fort, I returned 
to my family on the Chnch, Soon after, I removed my 
fiimily to this fort; we arrived safe ; my wife and daugh« 



107 

ter being the first white women that stood on the banks 
of Kentucke river." 



51. Stamp Act. 

The British Parliament, in the year 1765, for the pur- 
pose of raising a revenue from the colonies, passed the 
famous s/awp act; which ordained that all instruments 
of writing, as contracts, deeds, notes, &c., should not be 
valid, unless executed on stamped paper, on which a 
duty should be paid. This alarmed the colonies, and 
awakened their indignation. They determined to resist 
the execution of the law. The 1st of November, 1765, 
was the day on which this act was to take effect. In 
Boston, the bells tolled, the shops were shut, effigies of 
the royalists were carried about in derision, and torn in 
pieces. At Portsmouth, the bells tolled, a coffin was 
made, on the lid was inscribed, "Libert]/, aged 145," and 
with unbraced drums, and minute guns, a procession 
followed it to the grave. At the close of an oration, the 
coffin was taken up, signs of life appeared in the corpse, 
''Liberty revived," was substituted, the bells struck a 
cheerful key, and joy sparkled in every countenance. 

In New York the stamp act was contemptuously cried 
about the streets, under the title of " The Folly of Eng- 
land and Ruin of America." The stamp papers having 
'arrived. Gov. Colden took them into the fort in order to 
secure them. Many of the citizens of New York, of- 
fended at the conduct, and disliking the political sen- 
timents of the governor, assembled in the evening, broke 
open his stable, and took out his coach ; and after carry- 
ing it about the city, marched to the common, when a 
gallows was erected, on one end of which they sus- 
pended his effigy, with a stamped bill of lading in one 
hand, and a figure of the devil in the other. After this, the 
populace took the effigy and the gallows entire, and car- 
ried it in procession, the coach preceding-, to the gate of the 
fort, whence it was removed to the bowling green, where 
the whole pageantry, with the conch, was consumed in a 
bonfire, amidst the acclamations of thousands of spectators. 



108 

Similar proceedings occurred in many parts of the 
country, and the obnoxious act Avas shortly after repealed. 



52. Massacre in Boston. 

The inhabitants of Boston had suffered almost every 
species of insult from the British soldiery; who, coun- 
tenanced by the royal party, had generally found means 
to screen themselves from the hands of the civil officers. 
Thus all authority rested on the point of the sword, and 
the partizans of the cro\\T» triumphed for a time in the 
plenitude of military power. Yet the measure and the 
manner of posting troops in the capital of the province, 
had roused such jealousy and disgust, as could not be 
subdued by the scourge that hung over their heads. 
Continual bickerings took place in the streets, between 
the soldiers and the citizens; the insolence of the first, 
which had been carried so far as to excite the African 
slaves to murder their masters, with the promise of im- 
punity, and the indiscretion of the last, was often pro- 
ductive of tumults and disorder, that led the most cool 
and temperate to be apprehensive of consequences of 
the most serious nature. 

On the second of March, 1770, a fray took place in 
Boston, near Mr. Gray's ropewalk, between a private 
soldier of the 29th regiment and an inhabitant. The 
former was supported by his comrades, the latter by the 
rope-makers, till several, on both sides, were involved 
in the consequences. On the fifth a more dreadful scene 
was presented. The soldiers, when under arms, were 
pressed upon, insulted, and pelted, by a mob armed with 
clubs, sticks, and snow-balls covering stones. They 
were also dared to fire. In this situation, one of the 
soldiers, who had received a blow, in resentment, fired 
at the supposed aggressor. This was followed by a 
single discharge from six others. Three of the inhabit- 
ants were killed, and five dangerously wounded. The 
town was immediately in commotion. Such was the 



109 

temper, force, and number of the inhabitants, that no- 
thing but an engagement to remove the troops out of the 
town, together with the advice of moderate men, pre- 
vented the townsmen from falling on the soldiers. The 
killed were buried in one vault, and in a most respectful 
manner, in order to express the indignation of the in- 
habitants at the slaughter of their brethren, by soldiers 
quartered among them, in violation of their civil liber- 
ties. Captain Preston, who commanded the party which 
fired on the inhabitants, was committed to jail, and after- 
wards tried. The captain and six of the men were ac- 
quitted. Two were brought in guilty of manslaughter. 
It appeared, on the trial, that the soldiers were abused, 
insulted, threatened, and pelted, before they fired. It 
was also proved, that only seven guns were fired by the 
eight prisoners. These circumstances induced the jury 
to make a favourable verdict. The result of the trial 
reflected great honour on John Adams (afterwards Pre- 
sident of the United States) and Josiah Q,uincy, Esqrs. 
the counsel for the prisoners ; and also on the integrity 
of the jury, who ventured to give an upright verdict, in 
defiance of popular opinions. 

" The people, not dismaj-ed by the blood of their 
neighbours, thus wantonly shed, determined no longer 
to submit to the insolence of military power. Colonel 
Dalrymple, who commanded in Boston, was informed, 
the day after the riot in King-street, 'that he must with- 
draw his troops from the town within a limited term, or 
hazard the consequences.' 

" The inhabitants of the town assembled at Faneuil 
Hall, where the sulyect was discussed with becoming 
spirit, and the people unanimously resolved, that no 
armed force should be sufltred longer to reside in the 
capital; and if the king's troops were not immediately 
withdrawn by their own officers, the governor should 
be requested to give orders for their removal, and there- 
by prevent the necessity of more rigorous steps. A 
conunittee from this body was deputed to wait on the 
governor, and requested him to exert that authority which 
the exigencies of the times required from the supreme 
10 



110 

magistrate. Mr. Samuel Adams, the chairman of the 
committee, with a pathos and address peculiar to himself, 
exposed the illegality of quartering troops in the town 
in the midst of peace : he urged the apprehensions of 
the people, and the fatal consequences that might ensue 
if their removal was delayed. 

" But no arguments could prevail on Mr. Hutchinson, 
who, from timidity, or some more censurable cause, 
evaded acting at all in the business, and grounded his 
refusal on a pretended want of authority. After which, 
Col. Dalrymple, wishing to compromise the matter, con- 
sented that the twenty-ninth regiment, more culpable 
than any other in the late tumult, should be sent to Cas- 
tle Island. This concession was by no means satisfac- 
tory; the people, inflexible in their demands, insisted 
that no British soldier should be left within the town; 
their requisition was reluctantly complied with, and with- 
m four days the whole army decamped."* 



53. Destruction of Tea in Boston. > 

The British ministry still persisting in their right to ! 
tax the colonies, had, for this purpose, given permission I 
to the East India Company to ship a large quantity of ; 
teas to America, charged with duty. The Americans, , 
iixed in their opposition to the principle of taxation in ] 
any shape, opposed the landing of the tea. In New j 
York, and in Philadelphia, the cargoes sent out were ■ 
returned without being entered at the custom house. In 

* The circumstances and probable consequences of the tragical | 
affair iust related, sunk deep into the minds of the people, and were i 
turned to the advantaa;e of their cause. Its anniversary for many j 
years was observed with great solemnity, and the most eloquent ora- 
tors were successively employed to deliver an annual oration to pre- 
serve the remembrance of it fresh in their minds. On these occa- > 
sions, the blessings of liberty, the horrors of slavery, the dangers of i 
a standing army, the rights of the colonies, and a variety of such 
topics, were represented to the public view, under their most pleasing 
and alarming forms. These annual orations administered fuel to the 
fire of liberty, and kept it burning with an incessant flame.— iWorse'« 
Revolution. 



HI 

Boston, the tea being consigned to the royal governor, 
(Hutchinson,) the populace, "clad like the aborigines 
of the wilderness, with tomahawks in their hands and 
dubs on their shoulders, without the least molestation, 
marched through the streets with silent solemnity, amidst 
innumerable spectators, and proceeded to the wharves, 
boarded the ships, demanded the keys, and without much 
deliberation, knocked open the chests, and emptied se- 
veral thousand weight of the finest teas into the ocean. 
No opposition was made, though surrounded by the 
king's ships ; all was silence and dismay. This done, 
the procession returned through the town, in the same 
order and solemnity as observed in the outset of their 
attempt. No other disorder took place ; and it was ob- 
served, the stillest night ensued that Boston had enjoyed 
for several months." Intelligence of this transaction 
reached the British ministry, and in 1774, they passed 
an act to restrain all intercourse by water with the town 
of Boston, by closing the port. They also removed the 
government and public offices to Salem. 



54. First Continental Congress. 

The first general congress met at Philadelphia, in the 
beginning of September, 1774. It consisted of fifty-one 
delegates from twelve colonies. They chose Peyton 
Randolph president, and Charles Thompson secretary. 
The delegates were appointed by the colonial legisla- 
tures, or, where none existed, the appointments were 
made by select meetings and associations of citizens. 
" The novelty and importance of the meeting of this 
congress e.xcited universal attention, and their transac- 
tions were such as could not but tend to render them 
respectable. 

'• The first act of congress was an approbation of the 
conduct of Massachusetts Bay. and an exhortation to 
continue in the same spirit which they had begun. Sup- 
plies for the suffering inhabitants, whom the operation 



112 , 

of the port-bill had reduced to great distress, were strong- i 
ly recommended : and it was declared, that in case of , 
attempts to enforce the obnoxious acts by arms, all Ame- j 
rica should join to assist the town of Boston ; and, ' 
should the inhabitants bo obliged, during the course of 
hostilities, to remove farther up the country, the losses 
they might sustain should be repaired at the public ex- •' 
■pense. i 

" Congress next addressed a letter to General Gage ; ; 
in which, having stated the grievances of the people of j 
Massachusetts, they informed him of the fixed and un- | 
alterable determination of all the other provinces to sup- 
port their brethren, and to oppose the British acts of '• 
parliament ; that they themselves were appointed to 
watch over the liberties of America ; and entreated him ', 
to desist from military operations, lest such hostilities j 
might be brought on as wonld frustrate all hopes of < 
reconciliation with the parent state. I 

" Their next step was to publish a declaration of ' 
rights. These they summed up in the rights belonging ! 
to Englishmen; and particularly insisted, that as their j 
distance rendered it impossible for them to be represent- ' 
ed in the British parliament, their provincial assemblies, ' 
with a governor appointed by the king, constituted the j 
only legislative power within each province. They 
would, however, consent to such acts of parliament as 
were evidently calculated merely for the regulation of 
commerce, and for securing to the parent state the bene- 
fits of the American trade ; but would never alloAv that 
they could impose any tax on the colonies, for the pur- 
pose of revenue, without their consent. 

" They proceeded to reprobate the intention of each 
of the new acts of parliament, and insisted on all the 
rights they had enumerated as being unalienable, and 
what no power could deprive them of The Canada 
act they pointed out as being extremely inimical to the 
colonies, by whose assistance it had been conquered; 
and they termed it, ' An act for establishing the Roman 
Catholic religion in Canada, abolishing the equitable 
system of English laws, and establishing a tyranny there,' 



113 

" They farther declared in favour of a non-importation 
and non-consumption of British goods, until the acts 
were repealed by which duties were imposed upon tea, 
coffee, wine, sugar, and molasses, imported into Ame- 
rica, as well as the Boston port act, and the three others 
passed at the preceding session of parliament. 

" The new regulations against the importation and 
consumption of British commodities, were then drawn 
up with great solemnity ; and they concluded with return- 
ing the warmest thanks to those members of parliament 
who had with so much zeal, though without any suc- 
cess, opposed the obnoxious acts of parliament. 

" The next proceedings of Congress were to frame a 
petition to the king, an address to the British nation, 
and another to the colonies ; all of which were in the 
usual strain of American language at that time, and 
drawn up in such a masterly manner, as ought to have 
impressed the people of England with a more favour- 
able opinion of the Americans, than they could at that 
time be induced to entertain."* 

After a session of eight weeks, congress dissolved 
themselves, after recommending another congress to be 
convened on the 10th of May ensuing, unless the griev- 
ances should be previously redressed. Although the 
power of this congress was merely advisory, their reso- 
lutions received the general sanction of the provincial 
congresses, and of the colonial assemblies; "and their 
recommendations were more generally and more effect- 
ually carried into execution than the laws of the best 
regulated state." 



55. Bailie of Lexington. 

Determined to reduce the rebellious colonies to sub- 
mission, the British ministry transported a force of 
10,000 men, who were stationed at Boston. 

The Americans having deposited a considerable quan- 

♦ Williams' History of the Revolution. 
10* 



114 

tity of military stores at Concord, an inland town, about 
eighteen miles from Boston, Gen. Gage determined to 
destroy them. For this purpose, he, on the night pre- 
ceding the 19th of April, detached Lieutenant Colonel 
Smith and Major Pitcairn, with 800 grenadiers and light 
infantry; who, at 11 o'clock, commenced a silent and 
expeditious march for Concord. Although a number of 
British officers, who had dined at Cambridge the pre- 
ceding day, had taken the precaution to disperse them- 
selves along the road leading to Concord, to stop any 
expresses that might be sent from Boston to alarm the 
country, yet such was the vigilance of the Americans, 
that the expedition was discovered, and the alarm rapidly 
spread by church bells, signal guns, and volleys. When 
the British troops arrived at Lexington, about five in 
the morning, they found about seventy men, belonging 
to the minute company of the town, under arms. Ma- 
jor Pitcairn, who led the van, galloping up to them, 
called out, " Disperse, disperse, you, rebels ; throw down 
your arms and disperse.'''' Not being obeyed, he ad- 
vanced nearer ; fired his pistol ; flourished his sword, 
and ordered his troops to fire. A discharge of arms from 
the British soldiers, with a huzza, immediately succeed- 
ed; several of the Americans fell, and the rest dispersed. 
The firing continued after the dispersion, and the fugi- 
tives stopped and returned the fire: eight of the Ameri- 
cans were killed, three or four of them by the first fire 
of the British ; the others after they had left the parade. 
A number also were wounded. 

The British now proceeded to Concord, disabled two 
twenty-four pounders ; threw 500 pounds of ball into 
the river, and destroyed about sixty barrels of flour. 
The Americans being reinforced, a skirmish ensued be- 
tween them and the regulars. The whole detachment 
was soon obliged to retreat with precipitancy, closely 
followed by the people of the adjacent country, who 
were by this time all aroused, and in arms. Some fired 
from behind stone walls and other coverts ; others pressed 
on their rear; and thus harassed, the British retreated 
six miles back to Lexington. Here they were joined 



115 

by Lord Percy, who, most fortunately for them, had ar- 
rived with a detachment of nine hundred men, and two 
pieces of cannon.* 

The enemy having halted an hour or two at Lexing- 
ton, re-commenced their march ; the provincials continu- 
ing to harass them by firing from stone walls, «fcc. A 
little after sunset, the British reached Bunker Hill,where, 
being exhausted by excessive fatigue, they remained du- 
ring the night, under the protection of the Somerset man 
of war ; and the next morning went into Boston. Du- 
ring this excursion 65 of their number had been killed, 
180 wounded, and 28 made prisoners; total 273. The 
Americans had 50 killed, and 38 wounded and missing. 



56. Taking of Ticonderoga by Col. Allen. 

The seizure of the important fortress of Ticonderoga, 
by Col. Ethan Allen, on the 10th of May, 1775, is thus 
related by himself: — 

" The first systematical and bloody attempt at Lex- 
ington, to enslave America, thoroughly electrified, my 
mindi and fully determined me to take a part with my 
country. And while I was wishing for an opportunity 
to signalize myself in its behalf, directions were privately 
sent to me from the then colony, now state of Connecti- 
cut, to raise the CTreen Mountain Boys, and, if possible, 
with them to surprise and take the fortress of Ticonde- 
roga. This enterprise I cheerfully undertook ; and af- 
ter first guarding all the several passes that led thither, 
to cut off all intelligence between the garrison and the 
country, made a forced march from Bennington, and 
arrived at the lake opposite Ticonderoga, on the evening 
of the ninth day of May, 1775, with two hundred and 
thirty valiant Green Mountain Boys ; and it was with 

♦ Lord Percy formed his detachment into a sauare, in which he 
inclosed Col. Smith's party, " who were so much exhausted with 
fatigue, that they were obhged to he down for rest on the ground, their 
tongues hanging out of their mouths, like tliose of dogs, after a chase."' 

SUdvian. 



116 

the utmost difficulty that I procured boats to cross the 
lake. However, I landed eig-hty-three men near the 
garrison, and sent the boats back for the rear guard, com- 
manded by Col. Seth Warner ; but the day began to 
dawn, and I found myself necessitated to attack the fort 
before the rear could cross the lake; and as it was ha- 
zardous, I harangued the officers and soldiers in the 
manner following : ' Friends and fellow soldiers, — You 
have for a number of years past, been a scourge and 
terror to arbitrary powers. Your valour has been famed 
abroad, and acknowledged, as appears by the advice and 
orders to me from the general assembly of Connecticut, 
to surprise and take the garrison now before us. I now 
propose to advance before you, and in person conduct 
you through the wicket gate; for we must this morning 
either quit our pretensions to valour, or possess ourselves 
of this fortress in a few minutes ; and inasmuch as it is 
a desperate attempt, which none but the bravest of men 
dare undertake, I do not urge it on any contrary to his 
will. You that will undertake voluntarily, poise your 
firelocks.' The men being at this time drawn up in 
three ranks, each poised his firelock. I ordered them 
to face to the right ; and at the head of the centre file, 
marched them immediately to the wicket gate aforesaid, 
where I found a sentry posted, who instantly snapped 
his fusee at me. I ran immediately towards him, and 
he retreated through the covered way into the parade 
within the garrison, gave a halloo, and ran under bomb 
proof My party, who followed me into the fort, I formed 
on the parade in such a manner as to face the barracks 
which faced each other. The garrison being asleep, 
except the sentries, we gave three huzzas, which greatly 
surprised them. One of the sentries made a pass at one 
of my officers with a charged bayonet, and slightly 
wounded him. My first thought was to kill him with my 
sword, but in an instant I altered the design and fury 
of the blow, to a slight cut on the side of the head ; upon 
which he dropped his gun and asked quarters, whicn I 
readily granted him ; and demanded the place where 
the commanding officer kept. He showed me a pair of 



117 

stairs in the front, which led up to a second story in said 
barracks, to which I immediately repaired, and ordered 
the commander, Capt. Delaplace, to come forth instantly, 
or I would sacrifice the whole garrison ; at which time 
the captain came immediately to the door Avith his 
breeches in his hand, when I ordered him to deliver to 
me the fort instantly ; he asked me by what authority I 
demanded it. I answered him, ' In the name of the 
Great Jehovah and the continental congress.' The au- 
thority of congress being very little known at that time, 
he began to speak again, but I interrupted him, and with 
my drawn sword near my head, again demanded an im- 
mediate surrender of the garrison ; Avith which he then 
complied, and ordered his men to be forthwith paraded 
without arms, as he had given up the garrison. In the 
mean time some of my officers had given orders, and 
in consequence thereof, sundry of the barrack doors were 
beat down, and about one third of the garrison impri- 
soned, which consisted of said commander, a lieutenant 
Feltham, a conductor of artillery, a gunner, two ser- 
g'eants, and forty-four rank and file; about one hundred 
pieces of cannon, one thirteen inch mortar, and a num- 
ber of swivels. This surprise was carried into execu- 
tion in the gray of the morning of the tenth of May, 
1775. The sun seemed to rise that morning with a su- 
perior lustre; and Ticonderoga and its dependencies 
smiled on its conquerors, who tossed about the flowing 
bowl, and wished success to congress, and the liberty 
and freedom of America. Happy it was for me at that 
time, that the future pages of the book of fate, which 
afterwards unfolded a miserable scene of two years and 
eight months imprisonment, were hid from my view." 



57. Battle of Bunker Hill. 

The following ''full and correct account" of the bat- 
tle of Bunker Hill, is taken from a pamphlet published 
in Boston, June 17, 1825. 



118 

After the affair of Lexington and Concord, on the 
19th of April, 1775, the people, animated by one com- 
mon impulse, flew to arms in every direction. The hus- 
bandman changed his plough-share for a musket; and 
about 15,000 men, 10,000 from Massachusetts, and the 
remainder from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and 
Connecticut, assembled under General Ward in the en- 
virons of Boston, then occupied by 10,000 highly dis- 
ciplined and well equipped British troops, under the 
command of Generals Gage, Howe, Clinton, Burgoyne, 
Pigot, and others. 

Fearing an intention, on the part of the British, to 
occupy the important heights at Charlestown and Dor- 
chester, which would enable them to command the sur- 
rounding country. Colonel Prescott was detached, by his 
own desire, from the American camp at Cambridge, on 
the evening of the 16th of June, 1775, with about 1000 
militia, mostly of Massachusetts, including 120 men of 
Putnam's regiment from Connecticut, and one artillery 
company, to Bunker Hill, with a view to occupy and 
fortify that post. At this hill the detachment made a 
short halt, but concluded to advance still nearer the 
British, and accordingly took possession of Breed's 
Hill, a position Avnich conunanded the whole inner har- 
bour of Boston. Here, about midnight, they commenced 
throwing up a redoubt, which they completed, notwith- 
standing every possible effort from the British ships and 
batteries to prevent them, about noon the next day. 

So silently had the operations been conducted through 
the night, that the British had not the most distant no- 
tice of the design of the Americans, until day-break pre- 
sented to their view the half-formed battery and daring 
stand made against them. A dreadful cannonade, ac- 
companied with shells, was immediately commenced 
from the British battery at Copps' Hill, and the ships of 
war and floating batteries stationed in Charles River. 

The break of day, on the 17th of June, 1775, present- 
ed a scene, which for daring and firmness could never 
be surpassed; 1000 unexperienced militia, in the attiro 
of their various avocations, without discipline, almost 



119 

without artillery and bayonets, scantily supplied with 
ammunition, and wholly destitute of provisions, defying 
the power of the formidable British fleet and army, de- 
termined to maintain the liberty of their soil, or moisten 
that soil Vvith their blood. 

Without aid, however, from the main body of the 
army, it seemed impossible to maintain their position; 
the men having been without sleep, toiling through the 
night, and destitute of the necessary food reqiiired by 
nature, had become nearly exhausted. Representations 
were repeatedly made, through the morning, to head 
quarters, of the necessity of re-enforcements and sup- 
plies. Major Brooks, the late revered governor of Mas- 
sachusetts, who commanded a battalion of minute-men 
at Concord, set out for Cambridge about nine o'clock, 
on foot, (it being impossible to procure a horse,) solicit- 
ing succour : but as there were two other points exposed 
to the British, Roxbury and Cambridge, then the head 
quarters, at which place all the little stores of the army 
were collected, and the loss of which would be incalcu- 
lable at that moment, great fears were entertained lest 
they should march over the neck to Roxbury, and at- 
tack the camp there, or pass over the bay in boats, (there 
being at that time no artificial avenue to connect Boston 
with the adjacent country,) attack the head quarters, 
and destroy the stores : it was therefore deemed impos- 
sible to afford any re-cnforcemcnt to Charlestown heights, 
till the movements of the British rendered evidence of 
their intention certain. 

The fire from the Glasgow frigate and two floating 
batteries in Charles River, were wholly directed with a 
view to prevent any communication across the isthmus 
that connects Charlestown with the main land, which 
kept up a continued shower of missiles, and rendered 
the communication truly dangerous to those who should 
attempt it. When the intention of the British to attack 
the heights of Charlestown became apparent, the re- 
mainder of Putnam's regiment. Col. Gardiner's regi- 
ment, (both of which, as to numbers, were very imper- 
fect,) and some New Hampshire militia, marched, not- 



120 

withstanding the heavy fire, across the neck, for Charles- 
town heights, where they arrived, much fatigued, just 
after the British had moved to the first attack. 

The British commenced crossing the troops from Bos- 
ton about 12 o'clock, and landed at Morton's Point, S. E. 
from Breed's Hill. At 2 o'clock, from the best accounts 
that can be obtained, they landed between 3 and 4,000 
men, under the immediate command of Gen. Howe, and 
formed, in apparently invincible order, at the base of the 
hill. 

The position of the Americans, at this time, was a re- 
doubt on the summit of the height, of about eight rods 
square, and a breast-work extending on the left of it, 
about seventy feet down the eastern declivity of the hill. 
This redoubt and breast-work was commanded by Pres- 
cott in person, who had superintended its construction, 
and who occupied it with the Massachusetts militia of 
his detachment, and a part of Little's regiment, Avhich 
had arrived about one o'clock. They were dreadfully 
deficient in equipments and ammunition, had been toil- 
ing incessantly for many hours, and it is said by some 
accounts, even then were destitute of provisions. A lit- 
tle to the eastward of the redoubt, and northerly to the 
rear of it, was a rail fence, extending almost to Mystick 
river; to this fence another had been added during the 
night and forenoon, and some newly mown grass thrown 
against them, to afford something like a cover to the 
troops. At this fence the 120 Connecticut militia were 
posted. 

The movements of the British made it evident their 
intention was to march a strong column along the mar- 
gin of the Mystick, and turn the redoubt on the north, 
while another column attacked it in front ; accordingly, 
to prevent this design, a large force became necessary at 
the breast-work and rail fence. The whole of the re-en- 
forcements that arrived, amounting in all to 800 or 1000 
men, were ordered to this point by General Putnam, 
who had been extremely active throughout the night 
and morning, and had accompanied the expedition. 

At this moment thousands of persons of both sexes 



121 

had collected on the church steeples, Beacon Hill, house 
tops, and every place in Boston and its neighbourhood, 
where a view of the battle ground could be obtained, 
viewing, with painful anxiety, the movements of the 
combatants : wondering, yet admiring the bold stand of 
the Americans, and trembling at the thoughts of the 
formidable army marshalled in array against them. 

Before 3 o'clock the British formed, in two columns, 
for the attack ; one column, as had been anticipated, 
moved along the Mystick river, with the intention of 
taking the redoubt in the rear, while the other advanced 
up the ascent directly in front of the redoubt, where 
Prescott was ready to receive them. General Warren, 
president of the provincial congress and of the commit- 
tee of safety, who had been appointed but a few days be- 
fore a major-general of the Massachusetts troops, had 
volunteered on the occasion as a private soldier, and 
was in the redoubt with a musket, animating the men 
by his influence and example to the most daring deter- 
mination. 

Orders were given to the Americans to reserve their 
fire till the enemy advanced sufficiently near to make 
their aim certain. Several volleys were fired by the 
Brhish with but Httle success ; and so long a time had 
elapsed, and the British allowed to advance so near the 
Americans witliout their fire being returned, that a doubt 
arose whether or not the latter intended to give battle ; 
but the fatal moment soon arrived : Avhen the British 
had advanced to within about eight rods, a sheet of fire ' 
was poured upon them and continued a short time with 
such deadly effect that hundreds of the assailants lay 
weltering in their blood, and the remainder retreated in 
dismay to the point where they had first landed. 

From daylight to the time of the British advancing 
on the works, an incessant fire had been kept up on 
the Americans from the ships and batteries — this fire 
was now renewed with increased vigour. 

After a short time, the British officers had succeeded 
in rallying their men, and again advanced, in the same 
order as before, to the attack. Thinking to divert the 
11 



122 

attention of the Americans, the town of CharlestouTi, 
consisting of 500 wooden buildings, was now set on fire 
by the British; the roar of the flames, the crashing of 
falling timber, the awful appearance of desolation pre- 
sented, the dreadful shrieks of the dying and wounded 
in the last attack, added to the knowledge of the formi- 
dable force advancing against them, combined to form a 
scene apparently too much for men bred in the quiet re- 
tirement of domestic life to sustain. But the stillness of 
death reigned within the American works, and nought 
could be seen but the deadly presented weapon, ready 
to hurl fresh destruction on the assailants. The fire of 
the Americans Avas again reserved till the British came 
still nearer than before, when the same unerring aim 
was taken, and the British shrunk, terrified, from before 
its fatal eflfects, flying, completely routed, a second time 
to the banks of the river, and leaving, as before, tlie 
field strewed with their wounded and their dead. 

Again the ships and batteries renewed their fire, and 
kept a continual shower of balls on the works. Notwith- 
standing every exertion, the British officers found it im- 
possible to rally the men for a third attack ; one third 
of their comrades had fallen ; and finally it was not till 
a re-enforcement of more than 1000 fresh troops, with a 
strong park of artillery, had joined them from Boston, 
that they could be induced to form anew. 

In the mean time every effort was made on the part 
of the Americans, to resist a third attack ; Gen. Put- 
nam rode, notwithstanding the heavy fire of the ships 
and batteries, several times across the neck, to induce 
the militia to advance ; but it was only a few of the reso- 
lute and brave who would encounter the storm. The 
British receiving re-enforcements from their formidable 
main body — the town of Charlestown presenting one 
wide scene of destruction — the probability the Ameri- 
cans must shortly retreat — the shower of balls pouring 
over the neck — presented obstacles too appalling for raw 
troops to sustain, and embodied too much danger to allow 
them to encounter. Yet, notwithstanding all this, the , 
Americans on the heig-hts were elated with their sue- , 



123 

cess, and waited with coolness and determination the 
now formidable advance of the enemy. 

Once more the British, aided by their re-enforcements, 
advanced to the attack, but with great skill and caution; 
their artillery was planted on the eastern declivity of the 
hill, between the rail fence and the breast-work, where 
it was directed along the line of the Americans, stationed 
at the latter place, and against the gateway on the north-' 
eastern corner of the redoubt ; at the same time they at- 
tacked the redoubt on the south-eastern and south-west- 
ern sides, and entered it with fixed bayonets. The 
slaughter on their advancing was great ; but the Ameri- 
cans, not having bayonets to meet them on equal terms, 
and their powder being exhausted, now slowly retreated, 
opposing and extricating themselves fjom the British with 
the butts of their pieces. 

The column that advanced against the rail fence was 
received in the most dauntless manner. The Americans 
fought with spirit and heroism that could not be sur- 
passed, and had their ammunition held out, would have 
secured to themselves a third time the palm of victory ; 
as it was, they effectually prevented the enemy from ac- 
complishing his purpose, which was to turn their flank, 
and cut the whole of the Americans ofl'; but having be- 
come perfectly exhausted, this body of the Americans 
also slowly retired, retreating in much better order than 
could possibly have been expected from undisciplined 
troops, and those in the redoubt having extricated them- 
selves from the host of bayonets by Avhich they had 
been surrounded. « 

The British followed the Americans to Bunker Hill, 
but some fresh militia at this moment coming up to the 
aid of the latter, covered their retreat. The Americans 
crossed Charlestown Neck about 7 o'clock, having in 
the last twenty hours performed deeds which seemed 
almost impossible. Some of them proceeded to Cam- 
bridge, and others posted themselves quietly on Winter 
and Prospect Hills. 

From the most accurate statements that can be found, 
it appears the British must have had nearly 5,000 sol- 



124 

diers in the battle; between 3 and 4,000 having first 
landed, and the re-enforcement amounting to over 1,000. 
The Americans, throughout the whole day, did not have 
2,000 men on the field. 

The slaughter on the side of the British was im- 
mense, having had nearly 1,500 killed and wounded, 
1(^00 of whom were either killed or mortally wounded ; 
the Americans about 400. 

Had the commanders at Charlestovvn Heights become 
terrified on being cut off from the main body and sup- 
plies, and surrendered their army, or even retreated be- 
fore they did, from the terrific force that opposed them, 
where would now have been that ornament and exam- 
ple to the w^orld, the Independence of the United States? 
When it was fouwd that no re-enforcements were to be 
allowed them, the most sanguine man on that field could 
not have even indulged a hope of success, but all deter- 
mined to deserve it ; and although they did not obtain a vic- 
tory, their example was the cause of a great many. The 
first attempt on the commencement of a war, is held up, 
by one party or the other, as an example to those that 
succeed it, and a victory or defeat, though not, perhaps, 
of any great magnitude in itself, is most powerful and 
important in its effects. Had such conduct as was here 
exhibited, been in any degree imitated by the immediate 
commander in the first military onset in the last Avar, 
how truly different a result would have been effected, 
from the fatal one that terminated that unfortunate ex- 
pedition. 

From the imnionse superiority of the British, at this 
stage of the war, having a large army of highly disci- 
plined and well equipped troops, and the Americans pos- 
sessing but few other munitions or weapons of war, and 
but little more discipline, than what each man possessed 
Avhen he threw aside his plough and took the gun that he 
had kept for pastime or for profit, but now to be employed 
for a different purpose, from off the hooks that held it, — 
perhaps it would have been in their power, by pursuing 
the Americans to Cambridge, and destroying the few 
stores that had been collected there, to inflict a blow 



125 

which could never have been recovered from: but they 
were completely terrified. The awful lesson they had 
just received, filled them with horror ; and the blood of 
1,500 of their companions, who fell on that day, pre- 
sented to them a w-arning which they could never forget. 
From the battle of Bunker Hill, sprung the protection 
and the vigour that nurtured the tree of liberty, and to 
it, in all probability, may be ascribed our independence 
and glory. 

The name of the first martyr that gave his life for the 
good of his country on that day, in the importance of 
the moment was lost ; else a monument, in connexion 
•with the gallant Warren, should be raised to his memory. 
The manner of his death was thus related by Col. Prescott : 

" The first man who fell in the battle of Bunker Hill, 
was killed by a cannon ball which struck his head. He 
was so near me that my clothes were besmeared with 
his blood and brains, which I wiped off, in some degree, 
with a handful of fresh earth. The sight was so shock- 
ing to many of the men, that they left their posts and 
ran to view him. I ordered them back, but in vain. I 
tlien ordered him to be buried instantly. A subaltern 
officer expressed surprise that I should allow him to be 
buried without having prayers said ; I replied, this is the 
first man that has been killed, and the only one that will 
be buried to day. I put him out of sight that the men 
may be kept in their places. God only knows who, or 
how many of us, will fall before it is over. To your 
post, my good fellow, and let each man do his duty." 

The name of the patriot Avho thus fell is supposed to 
have been Pollard, a young man belonging to Bille- 
rica. He was struck by a cannon ball, thrown from the 
line-of-battle ship Somerset. 



58. Arnolds March through the Wilderness. 

About the same time that Canada was invaded by the 
usual route from New York, a considerable detachment 
11* 



126 

of the Ajnerican army was brought thither by a new 
and unexpected passage. Arnold, who conducted this 
bold undertaking, acquired thereby the name of the 
American Hannibal. He was sent, by General Wash- 
ington, with a thousand men, from Cambridge, with or- 
ders to penetrate into that province, by ascending the 
Kennebec, and then, after crossing the mountains which 
divide Canada from Maine, by descending the Chaudiere 
to the St. Lawrence. Great were the difficulties, and 
severe the privations, they had to encounter, in march- 
ing three hundred miles, by an unexplored way, through 
an uninhabited country. In ascending the Kennebec, 
they were constantly obliged to struggle against an im- 
petuous current ; and were often compelled, by cataracts, 
to land, and haul their batteaux up rapid streams, and 
over falls of rivers. They had to contend with swamps, 
woods, and craggy mountains. At some places, they 
had to cut their way, for miles together, through forests 
so embarrassed, that their progress was only four or 
five miles a day. One third of their number were, from 
sickness and want of food, obliged to return. Provisions 
greAV at length so scarce, that some of the men ate their 
dogs, cartouch boxes, leather small clothes, and shoes. 
Still they proceeded with unabated fortitude. They glo- 
ried in the hope of completing a march Avhich would 
rival the greatest exploits of antiquity; and on the third 
of November, after thirty-one days spent in traversing a 
hideous desert, they reached the inhabited parts of Cana- 
da, where the people were struck with amazement and 
admiration when they saw this armed force emerging 
from the wilderness.* 



59. Death of General Montgomery. 

Richard Montgomery, a major general in the army 
of the United States, was born in the north of Ireland, 
in the year 1737. He possessed an excellent geiaius, 
♦ Grimshaw's Hist. U. S. 



127 

which was matured by a fine education. Entering the 
army of Great Britain, he successfully fought her bat- 
tles with Wolfe, at Quebec, in 1759, on the very spot 
where he was doomed to fall, when fighting against her, 
under the banners of freedom. After his return to Eng- 
land, he quitted his regiment, in 1772, though in a fair 
waj' of preferment. He had imbibed an attachment to 
America, viewing it as the rising seat of arts and free- 
dom. After his arrival in this country, he purchased 
an estate in New York, about a hundred miles from the 
city, and married a daughter of Judge Livingston. He 
now considered himself as an American. When the 
struggle with Great Britain commenced, as he was 
known to have an ardent attachment to liberty, and had 
expressed his readiness to draw his sword on the side of 
the colonies, the command of the continental forces, in 
the northern department, was intrusted to him and Gen. 
Schuyler, in the fall of 1775. 

By the indisposition of Schuyler, the chief command 
devolved upon him in October. He reduced fort Cham- 
blee, and on the third of November captured St. Johns. 
On the 12th, he took Montreal. In December he joined 
Col. Arnold, and marched to Quebec. The city Avas 
besieged, and on the last day of the year it Avas deter- 
mined to make an assault. The several divisions were 
accordingly put in motion, in the midst of a heavy fall 
of snow, which concealed them from the enemy. Mont- 
gomery advanced at the hejid^f.the New York troops 
along the St. Lawrence,y'aha having assisted with his 
own hands in pulling up the pickets, which obstructed 
his approach to one of the barriers he was determined 
to force, he was pushing forward, Avhen one of the guns 
from the battery was discharged, and he was killed with 
his two aids. This was the only gun fired, for the enemy 
had been struck with consternation, and all but one or 
two had fled. But this event probably prevented the 
capture of Quebec. When he fell, Montgomery was in 
a narrow passage, and his body rolled upon the ice, 
which formed by the side of the river. After it was 
found the next morning among the slain, it was buried 



128 

by a few soldiers, without any marks of distinction. He 
was thirty-eight years of age. He was a man of great 
military talents, Avhose measures were taken with judg- 
ment, and executed with vigour. With undisciplined 
troops, who were jealous of him in the extreme, he yet 
inspired them with his own enthusiasm. He shared with 
them in all their hardships, and thus prevented their com- 
plaints. His industry could not be wearied, his vigilance 
imposed upon, nor his courage intimidated. 

To express the high sense entertained by his country 
of his services, congress directed that a monument of 
white marble, to his memory, should be placed in front 
of St. Paul's church. New York. 

The remains of Gen. Montgomery, after resting forty- 
two years at Quebec, by a resolve of the state of New 
York, were brought to the city of New York, on the 
8th of July, 1817, and deposited, with ample form and 
grateful ceremonies, near the aforesaid monument in St. 
Paul's Church.* 



60. Washington, Commander in Chief of the American i 
Army. \ 

In May, 1775, congress met pursuant to adjournment. 
Hostilities having commenced, it was a point of vital im- 
portance to the American cause, to select a proper person 
for commander in chief ofjhe American forces. ' 

George Washington,! a delegate from Virginia, was, 
by the unanimous voice of congress, appointed, to fill 

* Morse's Revolution. i 

t Fpr three years subsequent to the defeat of Braddock. Washington | 
superintended the troops of Virginia ; in which highly dangerous 
service he continued, until peace was given to the frontier of his na- I 
tive colony, by the reduction of fort Duquesne ; an enterprise under- 
taken in conformity with his repeated solicitations, and accompanied 
by himself, at the head of his own regiment. The arduous duties of j 
his situation, rendered irksome by the invidious treatment e.xperienced j 
from the governor, and by the unmanageable disposition of the offi- 
cers and privates under his command, were related bv himself, in a 1 
highly interesting narrative, and fully acknowledged by the assem- | 
bly of Virginia. Soon afterwards he retired to his estate at Mount 
Vernon, and pursued the arts of peaceful life, with great industry ! 



129 

this important station, on the 15th of June, 1775. "To 
Washington's experience in military affairs are united 
sound judgment, extensive knowledge of men, perfect 
probity, pure morals, a grave deportment, indefatigable 
industry, easy manners, strict politeness, a commanding 
person, cool bravery, unshaken fortitude, and a prudence 
that baffled and confounded his enemies." 

Soon after his appointment. General Washington re- 
paired to the army, who were besieging Boston ; he was 
received with profound respect and joyful acclamations 
by the American army. 

The Americans having so closely invested Boston, 
the British commander judged it prudent to evacuate the 
town, which they did on the 17th of March, 1776, taking 
with them 1500 of the inhabitants, who dared not stay 
on account of their attachment to the British cause. 

General Washington immediately entered the town, to 
the great joy of the inhabitants. 

and success. When the proceedings of the British parliament had 
alarmed the colonists with apprehensions that a blow was levelled at 
their hberties, he again came forward to serve the pubhc : was ap- 
pointed a delegate to congress; and in that body was chairman of 
every committee selected to make arrangements for defence. He 
was now in his forty-fourth year, possessed a large share of com- 
mon sense, and was directed by a sound judgment. Engaged in the 
busy scenes of life, he knew human nature, and the most proper 
method of accomplishing his plans. His passions were subdued, 
and held in subjection to reason. His mind was superior to preju- 
dice and party spirit ; his soul too generous to buracn his country 
with e.\pense ; his principles too just to allow his placing military 
glory in competition with the public good. 

On the president of congress announcing his commission, he re- 
plied : "Though I am truly sensible of the high honour done me in 
this appointment, yet I feel deep distress, from a consciousness that 
my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the e.xten- 
eive and important trust. However, as the congress desire it, I will 
enter on the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess 
in their service, for the support of the glorious cause. I beg they 
will accept my most cordial thanks for fliis distinguished testimony 
of their approoation. But, lest some unlucky event should happen, 
unfavourable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every 
gentleman in the room, that I this day declare, with the utmost sin- 
cerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honoured 
with. As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the congress, that, as no 
pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this ardu- 
ous employment, at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness, 
I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact ao- 
count of my disbursements ; those, I doubt not, they will discharge, 
and that is all I desire." Grimsha'w's Hist. U, S, 



130 ^ 

Gl. Attack on SullivarHs Island. 

In the months of June and July, 177G, the British 
commanders, Gen. Clinton and Sir Peter Parker, at- 
tempted to destroy the fort on Sullivan's island, near 
Charleston, S. C. Their force consisted of two fifty gun 
ships, and four frigates of twenty-eight guns each, be- 
sides several smaller vessels, with 3000 troops on board. 
The fort was commanded by Col. Moultrie, with a garri- 
son of but 375 regulars, and a few militia. This fort, 
though not entirely finished, was very strong. 

" However, the British generals resolved, without 
hesitation to attack it ; but though an attack was easy 
from the sea, it was very difficult to obtain a co-opera- 
tion of the land forces. This was attempted by landing 
them on Long Island, adjacent to Sullivan's Island on 
the east, from which it is separated by a very nar- 
row creek, said to be not above two feet deep at low , 
water. ' 

" Opposite to this ford, the Americans had posted a 
strong body of troops, with cannon and intrenchments, ' 
while Gen. Lee was posted on the main land, -with a bridge ( 
of boats betwixt that and Sullivan's Island, so that he 
could at pleasure send re-enforcements to the troops in | 
the fort on Sullivan's Island. \ 

" On the part of the British, so many delays occurred, , 
that it was the 24th of June before matters were in readi- I 
ness for an attack ; and by this time, the Americans had 1 
abundantly provided for their reception. On the morn- j 
ing of that day, the bomb-ketch began to throw shells i 
into Fort Sullivan, and about mid-day, the two fifty gun 
ships, and thirty gun frigates, came up, and began a 
severe fire. ] 

" Three other frigates were ordered to take their sta- ; 
tion between Charleston and the fort, in order to enfilade 
the batteries, and cut off' the communication with the main 
land ; but, through the ignorance of the pilots, they all 
stuck fast ; and fhough two of them were disentangled, I 
they were found to be totally unfit for service. The - 

i 



131 

third was burnt, that she might not fall into the hands 
of the Americans. 

" The attack was therefore confined to the five armed 
ships and bomb-ketch, between whom and the fort a 
dreadful fire ensued. The Bristol suffered excessively ; 
the springs on her cable being shot away, she was for 
some time entirely exposed to the enemy's fire. As the 
Americans poured in great quantities of red hot balls, 
she was tvvice in flames. Her captain, Mr. Morris, after 
receiving five wounds, Avas obliged to go below deck, in 
order to have his arm amputated. After undergoing 
this operation, he returned to his place, where he received 
another wound, but still refiised to quit his station. At 
last, he received a red hot ball in his belly, which in- 
stantly put an end to his life. 

" Of all the officers and seamen who stood on the quarter 
deck of the Bristol, not one escaped without a wound, 
excepting Sir Peter Parker alone ; whose intrepidity and 
presence of mind on this occasion, were very remarkable. 
The engagement lasted till darkness put an end to it. 
Little damage was done by the British, as the works of 
the Americans lay so low, that many of the shot flevr 
over ; and the fortifications, being composed of palm trees 
mixed with earth, were extremely well calculated to re- 
sist the impression of cannon. 

" During the height of the attack, the American bat- 
teries remained for some time silent, so that it was con- 
cluded that they had been abandoned ; but this was found 
to proceed only from want of powder ; for, as soon as a 
supply of this necessary article was obtained, the firing 
was resumed as brisk as before. During the whole of 
this desperate engagement, it was found impossible for the 
land forces to give the least assistance to the fleet ; the 
American works were found to be much stronger than 
they had been imagined, and the depth of the water ef- 
fectually prevented them from making any attempt. 

" In this unsuccessful attack, the killed and wounded 
on the part of the British amounted to about two hundred 
The Bristol and Experiment were so much damaged 
that it was thought they could not have been got over the 



132 

bar ; however, this was at last accomplished, by a very 
great exertion of naval skill, to the surmise of the Ame- 
ricans, who had expected to make them both prizes. On 
the American side, the loss was judged to have been con- 
siderable."* 



62. Declaration of Independence. 

The American people, exasperated By the proceedings 
of the British government, which placed them out of 
their protection, and engaging foreign mercenaries to as- 
sist in subduing them, began to broach the subject of 
independence from the British crown. 

Accordingly, the subject was brought before congress ; 
but some of the members of that body being absent, they 
adjourned its consideration to the first of July. 

They accordingly met, and appointed Thomas Jeffer- 
son, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, 
and Philip Livingston, to frame the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence. They agreed that each of their number 
should draft a declaration, and read it next day, in rota- 
tion, to the rest. They accordingly met, and Mr. Jeffer- 
son was fixed upon to "read first;" his gave such satis- 
faction that none other was read. Their report was 
accepted, and congress declared " the thirteen United 
States Free and Independent" July 4, 1776. 

" This declaration was received by the people with 
transports of joy. Public rejoicings took place in various 
parts of the Union. In New York, the statue of George 
III. was taken down, and the lead of which it was com- 
posed, was converted into musket balls." 

The Declaration of Independence was, by order of 
congress, engrossed, and signed by the following mem- 
bers : 

♦ Williams' Revolution. 



133 



John Hancock, President, 
New Hampshire. Tames Smith, 



Josiah Bartlett, 
William Whipple, 
Matthew Thornton. 

Massachusells Bay, 
Samuel Adams, 
John Adams, 
Robert Treat Paino, 
Elbridge Gerry. 

Rhode Island, <SfC, 
Stephen Hopkins, 
William Ellery. 

Connecticut. 
Roger Sherman, 
Samuel Iluntington, 
William Williams, • 
Oliver Wolcott. 

Neio York. 
Williajn Floyd, 
Philip Livingston, 
Francis Lewis, 
Lewis Morris. 

Netv Jersey. 
Richard Stockton, 
John Witherspoon, 
Francis Hopkinson, 
John Hart, 
Abraham Clark. 

Pennsylvania,. 
Robert Morris, 
Benjamin Rush, 
Benjamin Franklin. 
John Morton, 
George Clymer, 



George Taylor, 
James Wilson, 
George Ross, . 
Thomas M'Kean. 

Delaware. 
Cajsar Rodney, 
George Read. 

Maryland. 
Samuel Chase, 
William Paca, 
Thomas Stone, 
Chas. Carroll, of Carrollton.* 

Virginia. 
George W}-the, 
Richard Henry Lee, 
Thomas Jefferson, 
Benjamin Harrison, 
Thomas Nelson, Jr. 
Francis Lightfoot Lee, 
Carter Braxton. 

North Carolina. 
William Hooper, 
Joseph Hews, 
John Pcnn. 

South Carolina. 
Edward Rutlcdge, 
Thomas Heyward, Jr. 
Thomas Lynch, Jr. 
Arthur Middleton. 
Georgia. 
Button Gwinnett, 
Lyman Hall, 
Cireorfre Walton. 



♦ The name of Carroll is the only one on the declaration to wiiicli 
the residence of the si.L'iier is appended. The reason why it was 
done in this case, is understood to be as follows. The patriots who 
signed that document, did it, almost literally, with ropes about their 
necks, it being generally supposed that they would, iif unsuccessful, 
be hung as rebels. When Carroll had signed his name, some one at 
his elbow remarked, " You'll get clear— there are several of that 
12 



134 



63. Battle on Long Island. 

The command of the British force, destined to operate 
against New York, was given to Admiral Lord Howe 
and his brother Sir William, who, in addition to their 
military powers, were appointed commissioners for re- 
storing peace to the colonies. Gen. Howe, after waiting 
two months at Halifax for his brother, and the expected 
re-enforcements from England, sailed with the force which 
he had previously commanded in Boston ; and directing 
his course towards New York, arrived, in the latter end 
of June, off Sandy Hook. Admiral Lord Howe, with 
part of the re-enforcement from England, arrived at Hali- 
fax, soon after his brother's departure ; and, Avithout drop- 
ping anchor, followed and joined him near Staten Island. 
These two royal commissioners, before they commenced 
military operations, attempted to effect a rc-union between 
the colonies and Great Britain ; but both the substance 
and form of their communications for that purpose, were 
too exceptionable to be for a moment seriously regarded. 

The British forces waited so long to receive accessions 
from Halifax, South Carolina, Florida, the West Indies, 
and Europe, that the month of August was far advanced 
before they were in a condition to open the campaign. 
Their commanders, having resolved to make their first 
attempt on Long Island, landed their troops, estimated at 
about twenty-four thousand men, at Gravesend Bay, to the 
right of the Narrows. The Americans, to the amoiint 
of fifteen thousand, under Major-General Sullivan, Avere 
posted on a peninsula between Mill Creek, a little above 
Red Hook and an elbow of East River, called Whaale- 
boght Bay. Here they had erected strong fortifications, 
which were separated from New York by East River, at 
the distance of a mile. A line of entrenchments from 
the Mill Creek enclosed a large spt^ce of ground, on 
which stood the American camp, near the village of 
Brooklyn. This line was secured by abattis, and flanked 

name— they will not know which to take." "Not so," replied he, 
and immeaiately added, "of Carrollton." 



135 

by strong redoubts. The armies were separated by a 
range of hills, covered with a thick wood, which inter- 
sects the country from Avcst to east, terminating on the 
east near Jamaica. Through these hills there were three 
roads ; one near the Narrows, a second on the Flatbush 
road, and a tliird on the Bedford road; and these were 
the only passes from the south side of the hills to the 
American lines, excepting a road which leads to Jamaica, 
round the easterly end of the hills. C4eneral Putnam, 
agreeably to the instructions of General Washington, 
had detached a considerable part of his men to occupy the 
woody hills and passes : but in the performance of this 
service, there appears to have been a deficiency, either 
of skill or vigilance. 

When the whole British army was landed, the Hes- 
sians, under General De Heister, composed the centre at 
Flatbush : Major-General Grant commanded the left 
wing, which extended to the coast ; and the principal 
army, under the command of General Clinton, Earl Per- 
cy, and Lord Cornwallis, turned short to the right, and 
approached the opposite coast at Flatland. The position 
of the Americans having been reconnoitred. Sir William 
Howe, from the intelligence given him, determined to 
attempt to turn their left flank. The right wing of his 
army, consisting of a strong advanced corps, cormnanded 
by General Clinton, and supported by the brigades under 
Lord Percy, began, at nine o'clock at night, on the 26th 
of August, to move from Flatland ; and, passing through 
the New Lots, arrived on the road that crosses the hills 
from Bedford to Jamaica. Having taken a patrol, they 
seized the pass without alarming the Americans. At 
half after eight in the morning, the British troops, having 
passed the heights and reached Bedford, began an attack 
on the left of the American arnij'. In the centre. Gen. 
Dc Heister, soon after daylight, had begun to cannonade 
the troops, which occupied the direct road to BrookljTi, 
and which were commanded by General Sullivan in 
person. As soon as the firing towards Bedford was 
neard, De Heister advanced, and attacked the centre of 
the Americans, who, after a warm engagement, were 



136 

routed, and driven into the woods. The firing towards 
Bedford giving them the alarming notice, that the British 
had turned their left flank, and were getting completely 
in their rear ; they endeavoured to escape to the camp. 
The sudden rout of this party, enabled De Heister to de- 
tach a part of his force against those who were engaged 
near Bedford. There, also, the Americans Avere broken 
and driven into the woods ; and the front of the British 
column, led by General Clinton, continuing to move for- 
ward, intercepted and engaged those whom De Heister 
had routed, and drove them back into the woods. They 
again met the Hessians, who <lrove them back on the 
British. Thus aUernately chased and intercepted, some 
forced their way through the enemy to the lines of Brook- 
lyn ; several saved themselves in the coverts of the woods ; 
but a great part of the detachment were killed or taken. 

The left column, led by General Grant, advancing 
from the Narrows along the coast, to divert the attention 
of the Americans from the principal attack on the right, 
had, about midnight, fallen in with Lord Sterling's ad- 
vanced guard, stationed at a strong pass, and compelled 
them to relinquish it. As they were slowly retiring, 
they Avere met on the summit of the hills, about break of 
day, by Lord Sterling, Avho had been directed, Avith the 
two nearest regiments, to meet the British on the road 
leading from the NarroAvs. Lord Sterling having posted 
his men advantageously, a furious cannonade commenced 
on both sides, Avhich continued 'several hours. The firing 
towards Brooklyn, Avhere the fugitives Avere pursued by 
the British, giving notice to Lord Sterling that the enemy 
had gained his rear, he instantly gave orders to retreat 
across a creek, near the YelloAv Mills. The more effect- 
ually to secure the retreat of the main body of the de- 
tachment, he determined to attack, in person, a British 
corps under Lord Cornwallis, stationed at a house some- 
what aboA-e the place Avhere he proposed crossing the 
creek. With about four hundred men, draA'/n out of 
SmallAvood's regiment for that purpose, he made a A'ery 
spirited attack, and brought up this small corps several 
times to the charge, Avith confident expectations of dis- 



137 

lodging Lord Cornwallis from his post ; but the force iu 
his front increasing, and General Grant now advancing 
on his rear, he was compelled to surrender himself and 
his brave men prisoners of war. This bold attempt, 
however, gave an opportunity to a large part of the de- 
tachment to cross the creek, and effect an escape.* 

" After this severe defeat. Gen. Washington, with the 
advice of a council of officers, ordered a retreat from 
Long Island. On the night of the 29th, this was effect- 
ed with a success that was deemed a merciful interposition 
of heaven. Within a single night, an army of 9,000 
men, with their artillery, tents, and baggage, was trans- 
ported to New York, over a difficult ferry, a mile in 
width, while the British army was encamped within 600 
yards, and did not discover the retreat till too late to annoy 
the Americans." 



64. Death of Captain Hale. 

After General Washington, by his retreat, had left the 
British in complete possession of Long Island, and not 
knowing what would be their future operations, he ap- 
plied to General Knowlton, commander of a regiment of 
light infantry, to devise some means for gaining neces- 
sary information of the design of the British in their 
future movements. Captain Hale nobly offered himself 
for this hazardous and important service. His amiable, 
pious, intelligent, and patriotic character, and the sacrifice 
of his life in the manner in which he made the sacrifice, 
entitle him to a distinguished rank among the first patriots 
of the revolution. The particulars of this tragical event, 
sanctioned by General Hull, who knew them at the time, 

• Holmes' Annals. 

The loss of the British and Hessians is stated by American histo- 
rians at about 450 ; Stedman says, "it did not exceed 300 killed and 
wounded." The loss of the Americans was not admitted by General 
Washington to exceed 1000 men : " but in this estimate! he could only 
have included the regular troops." Gen. Howe states the prisoners 
to have been 109"; among whom were Major-General SulUvan, and 
Brigadiers Lord Sterhng and Woodhull. 
12* 



138 

are related by Miss H. i^ams, in her History oi New 
England. ' f 

" The retreat of Gen. Washington left the British in 
complete possession of Long Island. What would be 
their future operations remained uncertain. To obtain 
information of their situation, their strength, and future 
movements, was of high importance. For this purpose, 
General Washington applied to Colonel Knowlton, who 
commanded a regiment of light infantry, which formed 
the van of the American army, and desired him to adopt 
some mode of gaining the necessary information. Col. 
Knowlton communicated this request to Nathan Hale, of 
Connecticut, who was then a captain in his regiment. 
This young officer, animated by a sense of duty, and con- 
sidering that an opportunity presented itself by which he 
might be useful to his country, at once offered himself a 
volunteer for this hazardous service. He passed in dis- 
guise to Long Island, examined every part of the British 
army, and obtained the best possible information respect- 
ing their situation and future operations. 

" In his attempt to return, he was apprehended, carried 
before Sir W'illiam Howe, and the proof of his object 
was so clear, that he frankly acknowledged who he waSj 
and what were his views. 

" Sir William Howe at once gave an order to the pro- 
vost marshal to execute him the next morning. 

" The order was accordingly executed-in the most un- 
feeling manner, and by as great a savage as ever dis- 
graced humanity. A clergyman, Avhose attendance he 
desired, was refused him ; a Bible, for a moment's 
devotion, was not procured, though he requested it. Let- 
ters, which, on the morning of his execution, he wrote to 
his mother and other friends, were destroyed ; and this 
very extraordinary reason was given by the provost mar- 
shal, ' that the rebels should not know that they had a 
man in their army, who could die with so much firm- 
ness.' ' 

" Unkno\vn to all around him, without a single friend 
to offer huirthe least consolation, thus fell as amiable 
and as worthy a young man as America could boasts 



139 

with this as his dying observation, ' that he only lamented 
he had but one life to lose for his country.' " 



65. Battle of Trenton, 

The summer and fall of 1776 was the most gloomy 
period of the American revolution. Gen. Washington 
had been obliged to retreat from Long Island to New 
York, thence over the Hudson to New Jersey, and 
through New Jersey to Pennsylvania, vigorously pursued 
by an enemy flushed with a series of success. The re- 
treat through New Jersey was attended with circum- 
stances of a painful and trying nature. Wasliington's 
army, which had consisted of 30,000 men, was now 
diminished to scarcely 3,000, and these were without sup- 
plies, without pay, and many of them without shoes or 
comfortable clothing. Their footsteps were stained Avi.h 
blood as they fled before the enemy. The affairs of tlie 
Americans seemed in such a desperate condition, that 
those who had been most confident of success, begari 
despairingly to gi\-e up all for lost. Many Americans 
joined the British, and took protections from them. In 
this season of general despondency, the American con- 
gress recommerf^ed to each of the states to observe "a 
day of solemn fasting and humiliation before God." 

Gen. Washington saw the necessity of making a despe- 
rate efllbrt for the salvation of his country. On the night 
of the 25th of December, 1776, the American army re 
crossed the Delaware, which was filled with pieces of 
floating ice, and marched to attack a division of Hessians, 
who had advanced to Ti'enton. The sun had just risen, 
as the tents of the enemy appeared in sight. No time 
was to be lost — Washington, rising on his stirrups, waved 
his sword towards the hostile army, and exclaimed, 
" There, my brave frierids, are the enemies of your cown- 
try ! and now all I have to ask of yov, is, to remember 
ichat you are about to fight for ! March .'" 

The troops, animated by their commander, pressed on 



140 

to the charge ; the Hessians were taken by surprise, and 
the contest was soon decided; about 1000 were taken 
prisoners, and 40 killed, among whom was their com- 
mander, (a German officer,) Col. Rahl. 

" In this important expedition, Washington divided his 
troops into three parts, which were to assemble on the 
banks of the Delaware, on the night of the 25th of De- 
cember. One of these divisions, led by Gen. Irvine, was 
directed to cross the Delaware at the Trenton ferry, and 
secure the bridge below the town, so as to prevent the 
escape of any part of the enemy by that road. Another 
division, led by General Cadwallader, was to cross over 
at Bristol, and carry the post at Burlington. The third, 
which was the principal division, and consisted of about 
two thousand four hundred continental troops, command- 
ed by General Washington in person, was to cross at 
M'Konkey's ferry, about nine miles above Trenton, and 
to march against the enemy posted at that town. The 
night fixed on for the enterprise, was severely cold. A 
suorm of snow, mingled with hail and rain, fell in great 
quantities ; and so much ice was made in the river, that 
tile artillery could not be got over until three o'clock ; 
afid before the troops could take up their line of march 
k was nearly four. The general, who had hoped to 
tiirow them all over by twelve o'clock, now despaired of 
surprising the town ; but knowing that he could not re- 
pass the river without being discovered and harassed, 
ke determined, at all events, to push forward. He ac- 
x^ordingly formed his detachment into two divisions, one 
<)f which was to march by the lower or river road, the 
^ther, by the upper or Pennington road. As the distance 
ito Trenton by these two roads was nearly the same, the 
igeneral, supposing that his two divisions would arrive at 
Ithe plate of destination about the same time, ordered each of 
them, immediately on forcing the outguards, to push di- 
rectly into the town, that they might charge the enemy 
before they had time to form. The upper division, ac- 
companied by the general himself, arrived at the enemy's 
advanced post exactly at eight o'clock, and immediately 
drove in the outguards. In three minutes, a firing from 



141 

the division that had taken the river road, gave notice to 
the general of its arrival. Colonel Rahl, a very gallant 
Hessian officer, who commanded in Trenton, soon formed 
his main body, to meet the assailants ; but at the com- 
mencement of the action he received a mortal wound. 
His troops, at once confused and hard pressed, and 
having already lost their artillery, attempted to file off by 
a road on the right, leading to Princeton ; but General 
Washington perceiving their intention, threw a body of 
troops in their front, whichjntercepted and assailed them. 
Finding themselves surroimded, they laid down their 
arms. About twenty of the enemy were killed ; .and 
nine hundred and nine, including officers, surrendered 
themselves prisoners of war. The number of prisoners 
was soon increased to about one thousand, by the addi- 
tional capture of those who had concealed themselves in 
houses. Six field pieces, and a thousand stand of small 
arms, were also taken. Of the Americans, two privates 
only were killed ; two were frozen to death ; one officer 
and three or four privates were wounded. General 
Irvine being prevented by the ice from crossing the De- 
laware, the lower road toward Bordentown remained 
open ; and about five hundred of the enemy, stationed in 
the lower end of Trenton, crossing over the bridge in the 
commencement of the action, marched down the river to 
Bordentown. General Cadwallader Avas prevented by 
the same cause from attacking the post at Burlington, 
This well-judged and successful enterprise, revived the 
depressed spirits of the colonists, and produced an imme- 
diate and happy effect in recruiting the American army."* 



66. Battle of Princeton. 

On the 2d of January, 1777, Lord Cornwallis appeared 
near Trenton with a strong body of troops. Skirmish- 
ing took place, and impeded the march of the British 
army, until the Americans had secured their artillery and 
♦ Holmes' Annals, 



142 

hB.gga.ge : when they retired to the southward of the 
creek, and repulsed the enemy in their attempt to pass 
the bridge. As General Washington's force was not 
sufficient to meet the enemy, and his situation was criti- 
cal, he determined, with the advice of a council of war, 
to attempt a stratagem. He gave orders for the troops 
to light fires in their camp, (which were intended to de- 
ceive the enemy,) and be prepared to march. Accord- 
ingly, at twelve o'clock at night, the troops left the ground, 
and, by a circuitous march, eluded the vigilance of the 
enemy, and, early in the morning, appeared at Prince- 
ton. A smart action ensued, but the British troops gave 
way. A party took refuge in the college, a building with 
strong stone Avails, but were forced to surrender. The 
enemy lost, in killed, Avounded, and prisoners, about five 
hundred men.* The Americans lost but few men; 
among them was a most valuable officer. General Mer- 
cer, who, while gallantly exerting himself in rallying 
the militia, (who were thrown into confusion at the com- 
mencement of the action,) received three bayonet wounds, 
which proved mortal. It is said he was stabbed after he 
had surrendered. Washington displayed the utmost 
coolness and presence of mind, with heroic valour ; and 
was remarkably preserved, though, in this battle, his per- 
son was exposed to the fire of both armies. 



67. Battle of Brandyicine. 

The British General Howe, with a force of 16,000 
men, on the 15th of August, landed at the head of Elk 
river. It being obvious that his design was the occu- 
pation of Philadelphia, General Washington immediately 
put the American army in motion towards that place, to 
prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy. The 
two armies met at Brandywine, in Delaware. 

" At day break, on the morning of the 1 1th, the royal 
army advanced in two columns ; the one commanded by 
* Webster, 



143 

Lieutenant General Knyphausen, and the other by Lord 
Cornwallis. While the first column took the direct road 
to Chadd's Ford, and made a show of passing it in front 
of the main body of the Americans, the other moved up 
on the west side of the Brandywine, to its fork, crossed 
both its branches about two in the afternoon, and marched 
dovnx on its eastern side, with the view of turning the 
right wing of their adversaries. General Washington, 
on receiving intelligence of their approach, made the 
proper disposition to receive them. The division com- 
manded by Sullivan. Sterling, and Stephen, advanced a 
little farther up the Brandy^vine, and fronted the column 
of the approaching enemy ; Wayne's division, with Max- 
well's light infantry, remained at Chadd's Ford, to keep 
Knyphausen in check; Greene's division, accompanied 
by General Washington, formed a reserve, and took a 
central position between the right and left wings. The 
division detached against Cornwallis, took possession of 
the heights above Birmingham church, their left reach- 
ing towards the Brandywine : the artillery was judiciously 
placed, and their flanks were covered by woods. About 
four o'clock, Lord Cornwallis formed the line of battle, 
and began the attack. The Americans sustained it for 
some time with intrepidity ; but the right at length giving 
way, the remaining divisions, exposed to a galling fire 
on the, flank, continued to break on the right, and the 
whole line was soon completely routed. As soon as 
Cornwallis had commenced the attack, Knyphausen cross- 
ed the ford, ^nd attacked the troops posted for its defence; 
who, after a severe conflict, were compelled to give way. 
The retreat of the Americans, which soon became ge- 
neral, Avas continued that night to Chester, and the 
next day to Philadelphia. The loss sustained by the 
Americans in this action, is estimated at three hun- 
dred killed and six hundred wounded. Between three 
and four hundred, principally the wounded, were made 
prisoners. The loss of the British was stated to be 
ratherless than one hundred killed, and four hundred 
wounded. 

Amcvng the wounded were two general officers ; the 



144 

Marquis de La Fayette, and General Woodford. The 
first of these was a French nobleman, who, at the age 
of 19 years only, left France, and offered his services to 
congress, who gave him the rank of major-general in 
their army. Count Pulaski, a Polish nobleman, fought 
also with the Americans, in this baule.* 



68. Battle of Gcrmantown, and the attack on Red 
Bank. 

After General Howe had taken possession of Phila- 
delphia, it became necessary for him to take the forts on 
the Delaware, in order to open a communication with 
the Atlantic. Accordingly, a part of the royal army 
were detached for that purpose. General Washington 
seized this opportunity to attack the remainder at Ger- 
mantown. On the morning of the 4th of October, Wash- 
ington attacked the enemy with such judgment and fury, 
that they gave way in every quarter. ''The tumult, dis- 
order, and despair in the British armyr says Washing- 
ton, " icere unparalleled^ Lieutenant Col. Musgrave, in 
the retreat, in order to avoid the bayonets of his pursuers, 
threw himself, with six companies of tlie 40th regiment, 
into a stone house. The Americans, in full pursuit, at- 
tracted by this manoeuvre, halted before the house and 
attempted to dislodge him. This circumstance appears 
to have led to an unfortunate issue of the action. Be- 
sides this, an uncommonly thick fog occasioned many 
mistakes in the American army ; and after a severe ac- 
tion they were obliged to retreat, with the loss of about 
1000 men in killed and wounded ; among them was Gen. 
Nash, and his aid. Major Witherspoon. The British had 
800 in killed and woiuided, and among the former were 
Gen. Agnew and Col. Bird. 

The detachment of the British army sent to attack the 
fort at Red Bank, on the Jersey shore, Avas commanded 
by Count Donop, a brave and high spirited German offi- 
* Holmes' Annals. 




MUTTFIBJEK. ©ff Miss Ma"' f ERA 
na/r /t'rf S/Minf in 2777. ?tv .i f.irfv nf' liiJi.iri.'- xrfio »vn- i/i ,i/h,//i<y 
My>S<' Gen. BiirjEovue in ^is fufvrJiAivi ////<■ //if .^TirtAern •''faiv. 




/■*// f/ti- /,i'* I'/Jti/r r/^D. &en.\Kv<^w ifif/i ii fv,/v i'/' . Aiimitoi fmyv m/A i//i/,>o- , 
i/d/ Hiii.'i.-i' gniM t/ii-Fort irt ritf^iiii^/if ,i/ti?f-t'/r t?if ffiirrismietviDntjprttoiiiTf. ^ 



145 

cer. The fort was defended by about 400 men, under 
Col. Greene. Count Donop, with undaunted firmness, 
led on his men to an assault. After a few well directed 
fires, Greene and his men artfully retired from the out- 
works. The enemy now supposing the day their oicn, 
rushed forward in great mmibers, along a large opening 
in the fort, and within twenty paces of a masked battery 
of eighteen pounders, loaded with grape shot and spike 
nails. Immediately the garrison opened a tremendous 
fire upon their assailants, which swept them down in 
great numbers. Count Donop was mortally wounded 
and taken prisoner. In this expedition the enemy are 
supposed to have lost about 400 men. 



69. Murder of Miss McCrea. 

Previous to the American revolution, there resided 
near fort Edward, an accomplished young man, named 
Jones, and a young lady by the name of McCrea, between 
whom a strong attachment subsisted. Upon the break- 
ing out of war, Mr. Jones, who favoured the royal- 
ists, fled into Canada. Thence he accompanied the 
expedition of Burgoyne into the states. When the Bri- 
tish army were within about three miles of fort Edward, 
Mr. Jones found means secretly to inform Miss McCrea 
of his approach ; he entreated her not to leave the place, 
and informed her that as soon as the fort had surrendered, 
he would seek an asylum where they might peaceabl}'^ 
consummate the nuptial ceremony. Confiding in her 
lover. Miss McCrea heroically refused to follow the fly- 
ing villagers. The tears and entreaties of her parents 
and friends availed nothing. Mr. Jones, anxious to pos» 
sess his intended bride, despatched a party of Indians to 
convey her to the British army, and offered to reward 
them for their service with a barrel of rum. The Indi- 
ans brought a letter from her lover, and also his horse to 
convey Miss McCrea ; she scrupled not to place herself 
under their protection, and accordingly set out for the 
13 



146 

British camp. When about half way, a second party of 
Indians, hearing of the captivating offer made by Mr. 
Jones, determined to avail themselves of the reward. 
A bloody strife ensued, in which some Indians were 
killed, when the chief of the first party, to decide the 
contest, with his tomahawk knocked the lady from her 
horse, tore off her scalp, and bore it as a trophy to her 
anxious and expectant lover ! This atrocious and cruel 
murder roused the American people, and produced one 
general burst of horror and indignation throughout the 
states, against the British and their savage allies, and pro- 
bably hastened the downfall of Burgoyne. 



70. Battle of Bennington and Capture of Burgoyne. 

In the spring of 1777, it was determined in England 
that an invasion of the states should be attempted from 
the north, and a communication formed between Canada 
and the city of New York, and thus cut off the commu- 
nication between the New England and more southern 
states. 

" The troops destined for this service were upwards 
of seven thousand : with a train of artillery, the finest 
and most efficiently supplied, that had ever been assigned 
to second the operations of an equal force. Arms and 
accoutrements were provided for the Canadians, and se- 
veral nations of Indians induced to take up the hatchet 
under royal banners. The command was given to Gen. 
Burgoyne: an officer whose abilities were well known, 
and whose spirit of enterprise and thirst for military 
fame could not be excelled. The British had the exclu- 
sive navigation of Lake Champlain. Their mai'ine 
force on that inland sea, with which, in the preceding 
campaign, they had destroyed the American flotilla, 
was not only entire, but unopposed. 

" Having gained possession of Ticonderoga, as well 
as of the other defences which had served to prevent or 
to impede the advance of an enemy into the United 



147 

States on the side of Canada, and with a degree of ahi- 
crjty and perseverance not to be excelled, reached fort 
Edward, on the Hudson, Burgoyne proceeded, in the 
beginning of August, to force his passage down towards 
Albany. In the mean time, every obstruction had been 
thrown in his way, by Schuyler, Arnold, St. Clair, and 
other vigilant commanders ; who, at this period, owing 
to the evacuations of the northern forts, and the exertions 
of the leading patriots in New York and the contiguous 
provinces, had in that quarter an army of 13,000 men. 

" In his advance to Albany, Burgoyne formed a plan 
to draw resources from the farms of Vermont. For 
this purpose, he detached 500 Hessians and 100 Indians, 
with two field-pieces, under the com.mand of Col. Baum; 
a force deemed sufficient to seize a magazine of provi- 
sions, collected by the Americans at Bennington. But 
he proceeded with less caution than his perilous situation 
required. On the IGth of August, Col. Starke attacked 
him near that place, with about 800 New Hampshire 
militia, undisciplined, without bayonets, or a single piece 
of artillery ; killed or captured the greater part of his 
detachment, and got possession of his cannon. This 
was a brilliant service. Another achievement, scarcely 
less conspicuous, immediately succeeded. Col. Brey- 
man, Avho had been sent by Gen. Burgoyne to support 
that party, arrived on the same day, not, however, until 
the action was decided. Instead of meeting his friends, 
he found himself vigorously assailed. This attack was 
made by Col. Warner; who, with his continental regi- 
ment, had come up, also, to support his friends, and was 
well assisted by Starke's militia, which had just defeated 
the party of Col. Baum. Breyman's troops, though 
fatigjied with the preceding march, behaved with great 
resolution; but were at length obliged to abandon their 
artillery, and retreat. In these two actions, the Ameri- 
cans took four brass field-pieces, four ammunition wa- 
gons, and seven hundred prisoners. 

■" The overthrow of these detachments was the first, 
in a irrand series of events, that finally involved in ruin 
the whole royal army. It deranged every plan for con- 



148 

tinuing, or even holding-, the advantages previously ob- 
tained ; inspired the Americans with confidence, anima- | 
ted their exertions, and filled them with justly formed ' 
expectations of future victory. 

" After the evacuation of Ticonderoga, the Americans - 
had fallen back from one place to another, until they at j 
last rested at Vanshaick's Island. Soon after this re- ] 
treating system was adopted, congress removed their j 
commanding officers, and placed Gen. Gates at the head i 
of the northern army. His arrival on the iOth of Au- 
gust, gave fresh vigour to the inhabitants. Encouraged . 
by a hope of capturing the Avhole British forces, a spirit 
of adventure burst forth from every quarter, and was 
carried into various directions. An enterprise was un- 
dertaken by Gen. Lincoln, to recover Ticonderoga and < 
the other posts in the rear of the British army; and | 
though the first object was not accomplished, yet with so i 
much address did Col. BroAvn, who was despatched to 
the landing at Lake George, proceed, that, with five i 
hundred men, he not only surprised all the out-posts \ 
between the landing at the north end of the lake and ! 
the body of that fortress, took Mount Defiance and 
Mount Hope, the old French lines, and a block-house, 
also two hundred batteaux, several gun-boats, besides : 
two hundred and ninety prisoners, but at the same 
time released one hundred Americans. j 

"Burgoyne, after crossing the Hudson, advanced along '■ 
its banks, and encamped about two miles from Gen. ! 
Gates, a short distance above Stillwater. The Ameri- 
cans thought no more of retreating ; and on the 19th of j 
September, engaged him Avith firmness and resolution. 
The conflict, though severe, was only partial for the first , 
hour and a half; but after a short pause, it became gene- I 
ral, and continued for three hours without intermission, j 
- A constant blaze of fire streamed forth, and both sides . 
seemed determined on victory or death. The Ameri- 
cans and British were alternately driven by each other, : 
until night ended the eflusion of blood. The enemy 
lost five hundred men, including killed, wounded, and 
prisoners ; the Americans, three hundred. ' 



149 

"Every moment made the situation of the British 
army more critical. Their provisions were lessening, 
and their Indian and provincial allies deserting; whilst 
the animation and numbers of the Americans increased. 
From the uncertainty of receiving farther supplies, Bur- 
goyne curtailed the soldiers' rations. His opponents 
pressed him on every side. Much hard fighting ensued. 
The British were again defeated. One of Burgoyne's 
generals, together with his aid-de-camp, was killed, and 
he himself narrowly escaped; as a ball passed through 
his hat, and another through his. Avaistcoat. The Ame- 
rican generals, Arnold and Lincoln, were wounded. 
To avoid being surrounded, Gen. Burgoyne left his 
hospital to the humanity of Gates, and retreated to Sa- 
ratoga. He was still followed and harassed ; driven 
on one side and straitened on another. The situation 
of his army was truly distressing: abandoned by their 
allies, unsupported by their fellow soldiers in New York, 
worn down by a series of incessant efforts, and greatly 
reduced in number ; without a possibility of retreat, or 
of replenishing their exhausted stock of provisions, a 
continual cannonade pervaded their camp, and grape- 
shot fell in many parts of their lines. 

"The 12th of October arrived; the day until which 
hope had bidden the afflicted general Avait for the pro- 
mised assistance from New York. But expectation 
vanished with the departing sun. He took an ac- 
count of his provisions. There was onlj"^ a scanty 
subsistence for three days. A council of war declared 
that their present situation justified a capitulation on 
honourable terms ; and a negotiation was commenced. 
After various messages passed between the hostile ar- 
mies, it was stipulated, that on the 17th, the British 
were to march out of their camp with the customary 
honours of war ; the arms to be piled by word of com- 
mand from their own officers: and an undisturbed pas- 
sage allowed them to Great Britain, on condition of their 
not serA-ing again in North America during the Avar. 

" By this conA'ention, Avere surrendered five thousand 
seven hundred and ninety, of all ranks : Avhich number 
13* 



150 

added to the killed, wounded, and prisoners, lost by the 
royal army during the preceding- part of the expedition, 
made altogether, upwards of ten thousand men ; an ad- 
vantage rendered still more important to the captors, by 
the acquisition of thirty-five brass field pieces, and nearly 
five thousand muskets. The regular troops in General 
Gates"^ army were nine thousand ; the militia four thou- 
sand ; but, of the former, two thousand were sick or on 
furlough; and of the latter, five hundred. 

" The celebrated Polish patriot, Kosciusko, was chief 
engineer in the army of Gen. Gates. 

" On learning the fate of Burgoyne, the British on the 
North river retired to New York. Those who had been 
left in his rear, destroyed their cannon, and, abandoning 
Ticonderoga, retreated to Canada ; so that this whole 
country, after experiencing for several months the devas- 
tations of Avar, was now restored to perfect tranquillity."* 



71. Treaty with France. 

On the 16th of March, 1778, Lord North intimated to 
the house of commons, that a paper had been laid before 
the king, by the French ambassador, intimating the con- 
clusion of an alliance between the court of France and 
the United States of America. The preliminaries of 
this treaty had been concluded in the end of the year 

1777, and a copy of them sent to congress, in order to 
counteract any proposals that might be made in the mean 
time by the British ministry. On the 6th of February, 

1778, the articles were formally signed, to the great 
satisfaction of the French nation. They were in sub- 
stance as follows : 

1. If Great Britain should, in consequence of this 
treaty, proceed to hostilities against France, the two na- 
tions should mutually assist each other. 

2. The main end of the treaty was, in an efTectvial 
manner, to maintain the independence of America. 

♦ Grimshaw's Hist. United States, 



151 

3. Should those places of North America, still subject 
to Britain, be reduced by the states, they should be con- 
federated with them, or subjected to their jurisdiction. 

4. Shoxild any of the West India Islands be reduced 
by France, they should be deemed its property. 

5. No formal treaty with Great Britain should be con- 
cluded, either by France or America, without the consent 
of each other ; and it was mutually agreed, that they 
should not lay down their arms till the independence of 
the states had been formally acknowledged. 

6. The contracting parties mutually agreed to invite 
those powers who had received injuries from Great 
Britain, to join in the common cause. 

7. The United States guarantied to France all the 
possessions in the West Indies which she could conquer ; 
and France, in her turn, guarantied the absolute inde- 
pendence of the states, and their supreme authority over 
every country they possessed, or might acquire during 
the war.* 

This treaty was signed on the part of France by M. 
Gerard ; on the part of the United States by Benjamin 
Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee. On the 20th 
of March, the American commissioners were received 
at the court of France, as the representatives of a sister 
nation; an event which was considered in Europe, at 
that time, as the most important which had occurred in 
the armals of America, since its first discovery by Colum- 
bus. 



72. Battle of Monmouth, or Freehold. 

At the opening of the campaign in 1778, General 
Howe went to England, and left the command to Sir 
Henry Clinton. In June, the British army left Phila- 
delphia, and marched towards Staten Island. In their 
march they were annoyed by the Americans ; and on 
the 28th of June, a division of the army, under General 
♦ Williams' History of the Revolution. 



152 

Lee, was ordered, if possible, to brings them to an en- 
gagement. Soon after the British had left the heights 
of Freehold, General Lee was on the same ground, and 
followed them into the plain. Whilst he was advancing 
to reconnoitre the enemy in person, Sir Henry Clinton 
marched back his whole rear division to attack the Ame- 
ricans. While Lee made a feint of retreating, in order 
to draw the British after him, one of his officers, Gen. 
Scott, who had under him the greater part of General 
Lee's force, misunderstood his orders, and actually re- 
treated. This obliged Lee to follow, until he could over- 
take him, the army hanging upon his rear. In this 
situation he was met by General Washington, who, 
riding up to General Lee, addressed him in terms that 
implied censure. Lee answered with Avarmth and dis- 
respectful language. General Washington led the 
troops in person, and a smart action took place, in 
which both parties claimed the victory, but the advantage 
was clearly on the side of the Americans. The loss in 
killed and wounded amounted to three or four hundred, 
on each side ; but the British left the field of battle in the 
night, and pursued their retreat. This battle lasted 
through the whole of one of the warmest days of sum- 
mer, the mercury being above ninety degrees by Fah- 
renheit's scale. iMany of the soldiers died on the spot, 
by heat, fatigue, or drinking cold water. General Lee 
was tried by a court martial for disobedience, and his 
command suspended for one year. 



73. Taking of Savannah and Charleston. 

In 1778, Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, an officer of 
courage and ability, embarked on the 27th of November 
from New York for Savannah, with about two thou- 
sand men, under the convoy of some ships of war, com- 
manded by Commodore Hyde Parker; and in about 
three weeks landed near the mouth of Savannah river. 
From the landing place, a narrow causeway of six 



153 

hundred yards in length, with a ditch on each side, led 
through a swamp. At this causeway a small party was 
posted, under Captain Smith, to impede the passage of 
the British ; but it was almost instantly dispersed. Gen. 
Howe, the American ofKcer, to whom the defence of 
Georgia was committed, had taken his station on the 
main road, and posted his little army, consisting of about 
six hundred continentals and a few hundred militia, be- 
tween the landing place and the town of Savannah, with 
the river on his left, and a morass in front. While Col. 
Campbell was making arrangements to dislodge his ad- 
versaries, he received intelligence from a negro, of a 
private path, on the right of the Americans, through 
which his troops might march unobserved ; and Sir 
James Baird, with his light infantry, was directed to 
avail himself of this path in order to turn their right 
wing, and attack their rear. As soon as it was judged 
that he had cleared his passage, the British in front of 
the Americans, were directed to advance and engage. 
General Howe, finding himself attacked both in front 
and rear, ordered an immediate retreat. The British 
pursued, and their victory was entire. Upwards of one 
hundred of the Americans were killed ; and thirty-eight 
officers, four hundred and fifteen privates, the town and 
fort of Savannah, forty-eight pieces of cannon, twenty- 
three mortars, the fort, with its ammunition and stores, 
the shipping in the river, and a large quantity of pro- 
visions, were in a few hours in possession of the con- 
querors. The whole loss of the British during the day, 
amounted to no more than seven killed and nineteen 
wounded.* 

Sir Henry Clinton, finding it more easy to make an 
impression on the southern states, which were less popu- 
lous than the northern, and being a level country, ren- 
dered the transportation of artillery less difficult, deter- 
mined to make them the seat of war. Agreeable to this 
resolution, he sailed from New York with a large force, 
in the severe winter of 1779-80; and, after a tempest- 
uous passage, in which he lost some of his transports, 
* Holmes' Annals. 



154 > 

arrived at Savannah the latter part of January. From 
Savannah the army proceeded to Charleston, and in ' 
April laid sieg^e to that city. The enemy made regular [ 
approaches, and finally, being prepared to storm thei 
town. General Lincoln was compelled to capitulate. 
About two thousand five hundred men, besides thej 
militia and inhabitants, became prisoners, and all the 
cannon and military stores. This happened on the l2th 
of May, 1780. General Clinton left Lord Cornwallis 
to command the troops in the southern army, and return- 
ed to New York. Great numbers of the people in | 
South Carolina, being left defenceless, returned to their ' 
allegiance, and the British commander represented the j 
state as subdued.* ! 



74. Paul Jones' JSaval Battle. 

On the 22d of September, 1778, occurred on the coast 
of Scotland, " that unexampled sea-fight," which gave to 
the name of Paul Jones such terrific eclat. This man 
was a native of Scotland, but engaged in the service of I 
the United States. His flotilla Avas composed of the ] 
Bonhomme Richard, of forty guns, the Alliance of thirty- | 
six, (both American ships,) the Pallas, a French frigate 
of thirtj'-two, in the pay of Congress, and two other 
.smaller vessels. He fell in with a British merchant ' 
fleet, on its return from the Baltic, convoyed by Captain 
Pearson, with the frigate Serapis, of forty-four guns, 
and the Countess of Scarborough, of twenty. 

Pearson had no sooner perceived Jones, than he bore 
down to engage him, while the merchantmen endeavour- 
ed to gain the coast. The American flotilla formed to 
receive him. The two enemies joined battle about seven 
in the evening. The British having the advantage of 
cannon of a longer reach, Paul Jones resolved to fight 
them closer. He brought up his ships, until the muzzles 
of his guns came in contact with those of his enemy. 
* Webster. 



155 

Here the phrenzied combatants fought from seven till 
ten. Paul Jones now found that his vessel was so 
shattered, that only three effective guns remained. Trust- 
ing no longer to these, he assailed his enemy with gre- 
nades ; which, falling into the Serapis, set her on fire in 
several places. At length her magazine blew up, and 
killed all near it. Pearson, enraged at his officers, who 
wished him to surrender, commanded them to board. 
Paul Jones, at the head of his crew, received them at 
the point of the pike ; and they retreated. But the 
flames of the Serapis had communicated to her enemy, 
and the vessel of Jones was on fire. Amidst this tre- 
mendous night-scene, the American frigate Alliance 
came up mistaking her partner for her enemy, fired a 
broadside into the vessel of Jones, By the broad glare 
of the burning ships, she discovered her mistake, and 
turned her guns against her exhausted foe. Pearson's 
crew were killed or Avounded, his artillery dismounted, 
and his vessel on fire, and he could no longer resist. 
The flames of the Serapis were, however, arrested ; but 
tlie leaks of the Goodman Richard could not be stopped, 
and the hulk went down soon after the mangled remains 
of the crew had been removed. Of the 375 who were 
on })oard that renowned vessel, only 68 left it alive. The 
Pallas had captured the Countess of Scarborough; and 
Jones, after this horrible victory, wandered with his 
shattered, unmanageable vessels, for some time ; and at 
length, on the Gth of October, had the good fortune to 
find his way to the waters of the Texel.* 



75. Gen. Putnam s escape at Horseneck. 

About the middle of the winter of 1778, General Put- 
nam, a bold and veteran officer, was on a visit to his out- 
post at Horseneck, in West Greenwich, Conn., where he 
found Tryon, the British governor, advancing upon that 
place with a corps of fifteen hundred men. To oppose this 
* Willard's Hist. United States. 



15G ■ 

force, Gen. Putnam had only a force of one hundred and 
fifty men, with two iron field pieces, without horses or drag- i 
ropes. Having planted his caimon on an eminence, he fired | 
until the enemy's horse (supported by infantry) were about ' 
to charge ; he then ordered his men to shelter themselves ( 
in a neighbouring swamp, inaccessible to tht enemy's ] 
cavalry, and putting spurs to his horse, he plunged down ' 
a precipice so steep, that about one hundred stone steps 
or stairs had been constructed, for the accommodation of 
foot passengers. The British dragoons, who were but ' 
a sword's length from him, not daring to follow, stopped, ' 
and before they could gain the valley, Putnam was far ; 
beyond their reach. 

General Putnam was much distinguished, both in the 
French and revolutionary wars, for his bravery, and a 
spirit of daring enterprise. He also rendered himself \ 
famous by a noted exploit in a wolfs den. When he i 
removed to Pomfret, Conn., that part of the country was | 
much infested with wolves. In his immediate vicinity, j 
a she-wolf committed considerable depredations for seve- i 
ral years. After many unsuccessful attempts were made I 
to destroy this ferocious animal, Putnam and his neigh- i 
hours tracked her to her den, and endeavoured by fire | 
and smoke, dogs, &c., to expel her from her habitation. | 
These means proving ineflectual, Putnam at length came j 
to the hazardous resolution of attacking the wolf in her ' 
den. With a torch in one hand and his gun in the other, 
he crawled a considerable distance into a subterraneous ' 
cavity, and discovered the wolf by the glare of her eye- ' 
balls, evidently on the point of springing at him. Put- j 
nam fired: upon this he was drawn out of the cave by I 
his neighbours, by means of a rope he had attached to '' 
one of his legs. Putnam again descended, and find- 
ing the wolf dead, took hold of her ears, and the I 
people above, with much exultation, dragged them out j 
together. ' 



157 



76. Storming of Stou]/ Point. 

The reduction of this place, July 15, 1779, was one of 
Ihe boldest enterprises which occurred in the revolu- 
tionary war. Stony Point is 40 miles north of New 
York on the Hudson. 

" At this time Stony Point was in the condition of a 
real fortress ; it was furnished with a select garrison of 
more than 600 men, and had stores in abundance, and 
defensive preparations which were formidable. Fortified 
as it was, General Washington ventured an attempt to 
reduce it. The enterprise was committed to General 
Wayne, who, with a strong detachment of active infant- 
ry, set out towards the place at noon. His march of 
fourteen miles over high mountains, through deep mo- 
rasses, and difficult defiles, was accomplished by eight 
o'clock in the evening. 

" At a distance of a mile fi'om the point, General 
"VV^ayne halted, and formed his men into two cokmans, 
putting himself at the head of the right. Both columns 
were directed to march in order and silence, with unload- 
ed muskets and fixed bayonets. At midnight they 
arrived under the walls of the fort."* 

" An unexpected obstacle now presented itself: the 
deep morass w hich covered the works, was at this time 
overflowed by the tide. The English opened a tre- 
mendous fire of musketry, and cannon loaded Avith 
grape shot: but neither the inundated morass, nor a 
double palisade, nor the storm of fire that poured upon 
them, could arrest the impetuosity of the Americans; 
they opened their way with the bayonet, prostrated what- 
ever opposed them, scaled the fort, and the two columns 
met in the centre of the works. The English lost up' 
wards of six hundred men in killed and prisoners. 
The conquerors abstained from pillage, and from all 
disorder ; a conduct the more worthy, as they had still 
present in mind the ravages and butcheries which their 
enemies had so recently committed, in Virginia and 
* Goodrich. 
14 



158 

Connecticut. Humanity imparted new effulgence to 
the victory which valour had obtained."* 



77. Battle of Camden. 

On the IGth of August, 1780, Earl Cornwallis, who 
commanded the British troops, obtained a signal victory 
over the Americans under General Gates, at Camden. 
" The action began at break of day, in a situation very 
advantageous for the British troops, but very unfavoura- 
ble to the Americans. The latter were much more nu- 
merous ; but the ground on which both armies stood 
was narrowed by swamps on the right and left, so that 
the Americans could not avail themselves properly of 
their superior numbers. 

There seems to have been some want of generalship 
on the part of Gates, in suffering himself to be surprised 
in so disadvantageous a position. But this circumstance 
was the effect of accident ; for both armies set out with 
a design of attacking each other, precisely at the same 
time, at ten o'clock the preceding evening, and met 
together before day light, at the place where the action 
happened. 

The attack was made by the British troops, with 
great A^igour, and in a few minutes the action was gene- 
ral along the whole line. It was at this time a dead 
calm, with a little haziness in the air, which prevented 
the smoke from rising and occasioned so thick a dark- 
ness, that it was difficult to see the effect of a heavy and 
well supported fire on both sides. The British troops 
either kept up a constant fire, or made use of bayonets, 
as opportunities offered; and after an obstinate resistance 
of three quarters of an hour, threw the Americans into 
total confusion, and forced them to give way in all quar- 
ters. 

The continental troops behaved remarkably well, but 
the militia were soon broken, leaving the former to op- 
* Botta's Revolution. 



pose the whole force of the British troops. General 
Gates did all in his power to rally the militia, but with- 
out eflect ; the coritineutals retreated in some order ; but 
the rout of the militia was so great, that the British cavalry- 
continued the pursuit of them to the distance of twenty- 
two miles from the place of action. 

The loss of the Americans, on this occasion, was 
very considerable ; about one thousand prisoners were 
taken, and more than that number were said to have been 
killed and wounded, although the number was not very 
accurately ascertained. Seven pieces of brass cannon, 
various stands of colours, and all the ammunition wa- 
gons of the Americans, fell into the hands of the ehemy. 
Among the prisoners taken was Major General the 
Baron de Kalb, a Prussian officer in the American ser- 
vice, who was mortally wounded, after exhibiting great 
gallantry in the course of the action, having received 
eleven wounds. Of the British troops, the number of 
killed and wounded amounted to two hundred and 
thirteen."* 



78. Murder of Mrs. and Mr. Caldwell. 

In the summer of 1780, the British troops made fre- 
>[uent incursions into New Jersey, ravaging and plun- 
dering the country, and committing numerous atrocities 
upon its inhabitants. In June, a large body of the ene- 
my, commanded by Gen. Kniphausen, landed at Eliza- 
bethtown Point, and proceeded into the country. They 
were much harassed in their progress by Col. Dayton, 
and the troops under his command. When they arrived 
at Connecticut Farms, according to their usual but 
sacrilegious custom, they burnt the Presbyterian church, 
parsonage house, and a considerable part of the village. 
But the most cruel and wanton act that was perpetrated 
during this incursion, was the murder of Mrs. Caldwell, 
the wife of the Rev. I\Ir. Caldwell, of Elizabethtown. 
♦ Williams' Revolution. 



160 

This amiable woman seeing the enemy advancing, 
retired with her housekeeper, a child of three years old, 
an inflmt of eight months, and a little maid, to a room 
secured on all sides by stone walls, except at a window 
opposite the enemy. She prudently took this precaution 
to avoid the danger of transient shot, should the ground 
be disputed near that place, which happened not to be 
the case; neither Avas there any firing from either party 
near the house, until the fatal moment when Mrs. Cald- 
well, unsuspicious of an)- immediate danger, sitting on 
the bed with her little child by the hand, and her nurse, 
with her infant babe by her side, was instantly shot dead 
by an unfeeling British soldier, who had come round to 
an unguarded part of the house, Avith an evident design 
to perpetrate the horrid deed. Many circumstances at- 
tending this inhuman murder, evince not only that it 
was committed by the enemy with design, but also, that 
it was by the permission, if not by the command, of Gen. 
Kniphausen, in order to intimidate the populace to re- 
linquish their cause. A circumstance which aggravated 
this piece of cruelty, Avas, that Avhen the British officers 
Avere made acquainted with the murder, they did not in- 
terfere to prevent the corpse from being stripped and 
burnt, but left it half the day, stripped in part, to be tum- 
bled about by the rude soldiery ; and at last it was re- 
moved from the house, before it A\-as burned, by the aid 
of those Avho Avere not of the army. 

Mrs. Caldwell Avas an amiable Avoman, of a SAveet and 
even temper, discreet, prudent, beneA'olent, soft and en^ 
gaging in her manners, and beloved by all her acquaint- 
ance. She left nine promising children. 

Mrs. Caldwell's death Avas soon followed by that of 
her husband. In NoA-ember, 1781, Mr. CaldAA'ell, hear- 
ing of the arriA^al of a young lady at Elizabethtown 
Point, Avhose family in Noav York had been peculiarly 
kind to the American prisoners, rode doAA-n to escort her 
up to town. Having received her into his chair, the 
sentinel, observing a little bundle tied in the lady's hand- 
kerchief, said it must be seized for the state. Mr. Cald- 
well immediately left the chair, saying he Avould deliver 



161 

it to the commanding officer, who was then present ; and 
as he stepped forward Avith this view, another soldier 
impertinently told him to stop, which he immediately did; 
the soldier notwithstanding, without farther provocation, 
shot him dead on the spot. Such was the untimely fate 
of Mr. Caldwell. His public discourses were sensible, 
animated, and persuasive; his manner of delivery agree- 
able and pathetic. He was a very warm patriot, and 
greatly distinguished himself in supporting the cause 
of his suffering country. As a husband, he was kind ; 
as a citizen, given to hospitality. The villain who mur- 
dered him was seized and executed.* 



79. Massacre at Wyoming. 

The following account of the devastation of the flour- 
ishing settlements of Wyoming, in July, 1778, and the 
massacre of its inhabitants by a party of tories and In- 
dians, under the command of the infamous Col. Butler, 
and Brandt, a half-blooded Indian, is thus related by 
Mrs. Willard, in her history of the United States. 

" The devastation of the nourishing settlement of Wy- 
oming, by a band of Indians and tories, was marked by 
the most demoniac cruelties. This settlement consisted 
of eight towns on the banks of the Susquehannah, and 
was one of the most flourishing as well as delightful 
places in America. But even in this peaceful spot, the 
inhabitants were not exempt from the baneful influence 
of party spirit. Although the majority were devoted to 
the cause of their country, yet the loyalists were nume- 
rous. Several persons had been arrested as tories, and 
sent to the proper authorities for trial. This excited the 
indignation of their party, and they determined upon 
revenge. They united with the Indians, and resorting 
to artifice, pretended to desire to cultivate peace with 
the inhabitants of Wyoming, while they were makings 
every preparation for their meditated vengeance. The 
Morse. 



162 

youth of Wyoming were at this time with the army, and 
but 5U0 men capable of defending the settlement re- 
mained. The inhabitants had constructed four forts for 
their security, into which these men were distributed. In 
the month of July, 1600 Indians and tories, under the 
command of Butler and Brandt, appeared on the banks 
of the Susquehannah. Two of the forts nearest the 
frontier immediately surrendered to them. The savages 
spared the women and children, but butchered the rest 
of their prisoners without exception. They then sur- 
rounded Kingston, the principal fort, and to dismay the 
garrison, hurled into the place 200 scalps, still reeking 
with blood. Col. Denison, knowing it to be impossible to 
defend the fort, demanded of Butler what terms would be 
allowed to the garrison if they surrendered; he answered, 
"■the. hatchtt^'' They attempted farther resistance, but 
were soon compelled to surrender. Enclosing the men, 
women, and children, in houses and barracks, they set lire 
to these, and the miserable wretches were all consumed. 
"The fort of Wilkesbarre still remained in the power 
of the republicans ; but the garrison, learning the fate 
of the others, surrendered without resistance, hoping in 
this way to obtain mercy. But submission could not 
soften the hearts of these unfeeling monsters, and their 
atrocities were renewed. They then devastated the 
country, burnt their dwellings, and consigned their crops 
to the flames. The tories appeared to surpass even the 
savages in barbarity. The nearest ties of consanguinity 
were disregarded ; and it is asserted, that a mother was 
murdered by the hand of her own son. None escaped 
but a few women and children ; and these, dispersed and 
wandering in the forest, without food and without clothes, 
were not the least worthy of commiseration." 



80. Distress and Mutiny of the American Army. 

The situation of Gen. Washington was often, during 
the war, embarrassing, for want of proper supplies for 



163 

the army. It was peculiarljr so, while at Morristown, in 
1780, where he had encamped during the winter. The 
cold was uncommonly severe, and the army sufTered ex- 
tremely. The following account of the state of the 
American army is taken from Grimshaw's History of 
the United States. 

" The distress suffered by the American army did not 
arrive at its highest pitch until the present season. The 
officers of the Jersey line now addressed a memorial to 
their state legislature, complaining, that four months' pay 
for a private would not procure for his family a single 
bushel of wheat ; that the pay of a colonel would not 
purchase oats for his horse ; and that a common labourer 
received four times as much as an American officer. They 
urged, that unless an immediate remedy was provided, the 
total dissolution of their line was inevitable; and conclud- 
ed by saying, that their pay should be realized, either by 
Mexican dollars, or something equivalent. Nor was 
th& insufficiency of their support the only motive to 
complaint. Other causes of discontent prevailed. The 
original idea of a continental army, to be raised, paid, 
and regulated, upon an equal and uniform principle, had 
been, in a great measure, exchanged, for that of state 
establishments ; a pernicious measure, partly originating 
from necessity, because state credit was not quite so 
much depreciated as continental. Some states, from 
their superior ability, furnished their troops, not only 
with clothing, but with many articles of convenience. 
Others supplied them with mere necessaries ; whilst a 
few, from their particular situation, could give little or 
perhaps nothing. The officers and men, in a routine of 
duly, daily intermixed and made comparisons. Those 
who fared worse than others, were dissatisfied with a 
service that allowed such injurious distinctions. Mu- 
tiny began to spread, and at length broke out among the 
soldiers at Fort Schuyler. Thirty-one privates of the 
garrison went off in a body. They were overtaken, 
and thirteen of their number instantly killed. About the 
same time, two regiments of Connecticut troops mutinied, 
and got under arms, determined to return home, or 



164 

gain subsistence by the bayonet. Their officers reasoned 
with them, and used every argument that could interest 
their passions or their pride. They at first answered — 
' Our sufferings are too great — we want present relief;' 
but military feelings were, in the end, triumphant; after 
much expostulation, they returned to the encampment. 

" It is natural to suppose that the British commander 
would not lose so favourable an opportunity of severing 
the discontented from their companions, and attracting 
them to his own standard. He circulated a printed pa- 
per in the American camp ; tending to heighten the dis- 
orders by exaggeration, and create desertion by promises 
of bounty and caresses. But, so great was the firmness 
of the soldiery, and so strong their attachment to their 
country, that on the arrival of only a scanty supply of 
meat, for their immediate subsistence, military duty was 
cheerfully performed, and the rolls were seldom disho- 
noured by desertion. 

" The necessities of the American army grew so 
pressing, that Washington was constrained to call on 
the magistrates of the adjacent counties for specified 
quantities of provisions, to be supplied in a given num- 
ber of days ; and was compelled even to send out de- 
tachments, to collect subsistence at the point of the 
bayonet. Even this expedient at length failed; the coun- 
try in the vicinity of the army being soon exhausted. 
His situation was painfully embarrassing. The army 
looked to him for provisions ; the inhabitants for protec- 
tion. To supply the one, and not offend the other, seemed 
impossible. To preserve order and subordination, m an 
army of republicans, even w^hen Avell fed, regularly paid, 
and comfortably clothed, is not an easy task ; but to re- 
tain them in service, and subject them to the rules of dis- 
cipline, when wanting, not only the comforts, but often 
the necessaries of life, requires such address and abili- 
ties, as are rarely found in human nature. These were^ 
however, combined in Washington. He not only kept 
his army in the field, but opposed those difficulties with 
so much discretion, as to command the approbation of 
both soldiers and people. 



165 

" To obviate these evils, congress sent a committee 
of its own members to the encampment of the main 
army. They confirmed the representations previously 
made, of the distresses and the disorders arising from 
commissarial mismanagement, which every ^\•here pre- 
vailed. In particular, they stated that the main army 
was unpaid for five months ; that it seldom had more 
than six days' provision in advance ; and was on dif- 
ferent occasions, for several successive days, without 
meat ; that the horses were destitute of forage ; that the 
medical department had no sugar, tea, chocolate, wine, 
or spirituous liquors of any kind ; that every depart- 
ment was without money, and without credit : and that 
the patience of the soldiers, worn down by the pressure 
of complicated sufferings, was on the point of being 
exhausted. 

" Misfortunes, from every quarter, were, at this time, 
pouring in upon the United States. But they seemed 
to rise in the midst of their distresses, and gain strength 
from the pressure of calamities. When congress could 
obtain neither money nor credit for the subsistence of 
their army, the inhabitants of Philadelphia gave three 
hundred thousand dollars, to procure a supply of neces- 
sary provisions for the suffering troops ; and the ladies 
of that city, at the same time, contributed largely to their 
immediate relief Their example was generally followed. 
The patriotic flame which blazed forth in the beginning 
of the war, was rekindled. The different states were 
ardently excited ; and it was arranged, that the regular 
army should be raised to thirty-five thousand effective 
men." 



81. Capture of Andre, and Treason of Arnold. 

In the year 1780, a plot fraught Avith much danger ta 
the American cause was happily discovered. This plot 
originated with Arnold, a general in the American army, 
who by his extravagance and overbearing behaviourt 



IGG 

had brought upon himself a reprimand from the Ameri- 
can congress. Of a temper too impetuous to bear re«i 
proof, Arnold, bent on revenge, entered into a negotia- 
tion through Major John Andre, adjutant general in the 
British army, to deliver up to the enemy the important 
post of West Point, of which Arnold had the com- 
mand. 

Andre proceeded in disguise to VV^est Point, drew a 
plan of the fortress, concerted with Arnold, and agreed 
upon the manner and time of attack. Having obtained 
a passport, and assumed the name of Anderson, Andre 
set out on his return to New York by land. He passed 
the outposts of the American army without suspicion. 
Supposing himself now out of danger, he pressed for- 
ward, elated with the prospect of the speedy execution 
of a plot, which was to give the finishing blow to liberty 
in America. 

When Andre had arrived within about thirty miles 
of New York, and as he v/as entering a village called 
Tarrytown, three militia men, who happened that way, 
John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van 
Wart, seized the bridle of his horse, and accosted him 
with, " Where are you bound?" Andre, supposing that 
they were of the British, did not immediately show his 
passport, but waving their question, asked them, " ivhere 
they bdonged to?" they replied "/o bclou;'" (referring to 
the course of the river, and implying that they were of the 
British party.) " A?id so do /," said Andre, (confirmed. 
in his mistake by this stratagem,) and at the same time 
informed them that he was a British officer on urgent! 
business, and must not be detained. "You belong to our\ 
enemicsr exclaimed the militia men, "■'and we arrest\\ 
youP Andre, struck with astdnishment, presented his;i 
passport; but this, after Avhat had passed, only rendered ' 
his case the more suspicious. He then offered them a 
purse of gold, his horse and watch, besides a large re- I 
ward from the British government, if they would but ! 
liberate him. But these soldiers, though poor and ob- ! 
scure, were not to be bribed. They searched him, and 
found concealed in his boot, papers which evidenced his i 



1G7 

guilt, and they immediately conducted him to Colonel 
Jameson, their commanding officer. 

Andre Avas tried by a board of general officers of the 
American army, and executed as a spy, at Tappan, 
New York, October 2. He was a young officer, high- 
minded, brave, accomplished, and humane. He suffered 
with fortitude, and his fate excited the universal sympa- 
thy of all parties.* 



82. Battle at King^ s Mountain. 

" It had been the policy of the British, since the 
general submission of the inhabitants of South Carolina, 
to increase the royal force by embodying the people of 
the country as British militia. In the district of Ninety- 

* Major Andre lind many friends in the American army, and even 
Washington would have spared him, had duty to his country per- 
mitted. Every possible effort was made by Sir Henry Chnton in his 
favour; but it was deemed important that the decision of the board 
of war should be carried into execution. 

When Major Andre was apprised of the sentence of death, he made 
B last appeal in a letter to Washington, that he might be shot rather 
tlian die on a gibbet. 

The letter of Andre roused the sympathies of Washington, and had 
'ie only been concerned, the prisoner would have been pardoned and 
released. But the interests of his country were at stake, and the 
sternness of justice demanded that private feelings should be sacri- 
ficed. 

Upon consulting his officers on the propriety of listening to Major 
Andre's request, to receive the death of a soldier, (to be shot,) it was 
deemed necessary to deny it, and to make him an example. 

As a reward to Paulding, Williams, and Van Wart, for their vir- 
tuous and patriotic conduct, congress voted to each of tiiem an 
annuity of $200, and a silver medal, on one side of which was a shield 
with this inscription— "'fidehiv,"— and on the other, the following 
motto— "ri7ici< amorpatriu:,'' — the love of country conquers. 

Arnold, the miserable wretch, whose machinations led to the 
melancholy fate Andre experienced, escaped to New York, where, as 
the price of his dishonour, he received the commission of brigadier 
general, and the sum ui ten thousand pounds sterling ! 

This last boon was the grand secret of Arnold's fall from virtue; 
iiis vanity and extravagance had led him into expenses which it was 
neither in the power nor will of congress to support. He had in- 
volved himself irt debt, from which he saw no hope of extricating 
liimself ; and his honour was therefore bartered for British gold.— 
Goodrich's Hist. U. S. 



168 I 

six, Major Ferguson, a partisan of distinguished merit, j 
had been emploj^ed to train the most loyal inhabitants, I 
and to attach them to his own corps. That officer was ^ 
now directed by Lord Cornwallis to enter the western i 
part of North Carolina, near the mountains, and to em- ' 
body the loyalists in that quarter, for co-operation with 
his army. Cornwallis, in the mean time, commenced 
his march with the main army from Camden, through ; 
the settlement of the Waxhaws, to Charlotteville, in 
North Carolina. About the same time, Colonel Clark, * 
of Georgia, at the head of a small body of men, which 
he had collected in the frontiers of North and South ! 
Carolina, advanced against Augusta, and laid siege to | 
that place. Colonel Brown, who Avith a few loyal pro- 
vincials held that post for the British, made a vigorous \ 
defence ; and, on the approach of Colonel Cruger, with ] 
a re-enforcement from Ninety-Six, Clark relinquished ' 
the enterprise, and made a rapid retreat through the <, 
country along which he had marched to the. attack. 
Major Ferguson, receiving intelligence of his move- 
ments, prepared to intercept him. The hardy moun- 
taineers of Virginia and North Carolina, collecting at 
this time from various quarters, constituted a formidable 
force, and advanced by a rapid movement towards Fer- 
guson. At the same time, Colonel Williams, from the 
neighbourhood of Ninety-Six, and Colonels Tracy and 
Banan, also of South Carolina, conducted parties of men 
towards the same points. Ferguson, having notice of 
their approach, commenced his march for Charlotteville. 
The several corps of militia, amounting to near three 
thousand men, met at Gilberttown, lately occupied by' 
Ferguson. About one thousand six hundred riflemen* 
were immediately selected, and mounted on their fleetest | 
horses, for the purpose of following the retreating army. : 
They came up with the enemy at King's Mountain, 
October 7, 1780, where Ferguson, on finding he should | 
be overtaken, had chosen his ground, and waited for an', 
attack. The Americans formed themselves into three , 
divisions, led by Colonels Campbell, Shelby, and Cleave-" | 
land, and began to ascend the mountain in three difller- I 



169 

ent and opposite directions.* Cleaveland, with his di- 
vision, was the first to gain sight of the enemy's pickets, 
and hahing his men, he addresed them in the following 
simple, affecting, and animating terms : — " My brave 
fellows, we have beat the lories, and \ve-ca?i beat them ; 
they are all cowards. If they had the spirit of men, 
they would join with their fellow-citizens in supporting 
the independence of their country. When engaged, you 
are not to wait for the word of command from me. / 
will show you by my example how to fight. I can under- 
take no more. Every man must consider himself as an 
officer, and act from his own judgment. Fire as quick 
as you can, and stand your ground as long as you can. 
When you can do no better, get behind trees, or retreat; 
but I beg of you not to run quite off If we are re- 
pulsed, let us make a point to return, and renew the 
fight ; perhaps we may have better luck in the second 
attempt than in the first. [{ any of you are afraid, such 
have leave to retire, and they are requested imme- 
diately to take themselres off.'' This address, which 
would have done honour to the hero of--^gincourt, be- 
ing ended, the men rushed upon the enemy's pickets, 
and forced them to retire; but returning again to the 
charge with tiie bayonet, Cleveland's men gave way in 
their turn. In the mean time. Colonel Shelby advanced 
with his division, and was in like manner driven back 
by the bayonets of the enemy ; but there was yet ano- 
ther body of assailants to be received : Colonel Camp- 
bell moved up at the moment of Shelby's repulse, but 
was equally unable to stand against the British bayonet ; - 
and Ferguson still kept possession of his mountain. 
The whole of the division being separately baffled, de- 
termined to make another effort in co-operafion, and the 
conflict became terrible. Ferguson still depended upon 
the bayonet; but this brave and undaunted officer, after 
gallantly sustaining the attack for nearly an hour, was 
killed by a musket ball, and his troops soon after sur- 
rendered at discretion. The enemy's loss on this occa- 
sion was 300 killed and wounded. 800 prisoners, and 
Holmes. 
15 



170 

1,500 stand of arms. Our loss in killed was about 20, 
among whom Avas Colonel Williams, one of our most 
active and enterprising officers; our number of wounded 
was very considerable.* 



83. Battle of the Coicpens. 

In the autumn of 1780 Gen. Greene was appointed to 
the command of the forces in Carolina. He was accom- 
panied by Col. Morgan, a brave and active officer, who 
commanded a body of riflemen. 

On the entrance of Morgan into the district of Ninety- 
Six, Lord Cornwallis detached Lieut. Col. Tarleton to 
drive him from his station, and to ''push him to the itl- 
iHostP Tarleton's force consisted of about 1000 choice 
infantry, and 250 horse, with two field-pieces. To op- 
pose this force, Morgan had but 500 militia, 300 regulars, 
and 75 horse, under the command of Colonel Washing- 
ton. The two detachments met on the 17th of Jan., 1781, 
at the Cowpens. The ground on which this memorable 
battle was fought, was an open pine barren. The mili- 
tia were drawni up about 28U yards in froiii of the regu- 
lars, and the horse some small distance in the rear. Just 
after daybreak, the British came in sight : and halting 
within about a quarter of a mile of the militia, began to 
prepare for battle. The sun had just risen, as the ene- 
my, with loud shouts, advanced to the charge. The 
militia, hardly waiting to give them a distant fire, broke, 
and fled for their horses, which were tied at some disr 
tance. Tarleton's cavalry pushed hard after them, and 
coming up just as they reached tlieir horses, began to cut 
them down. On seeing this. Col. Washington, with his 
cavalry, dashed on to their rescue. As if certain of vic- 
tory, Tarleton's men were all scattered in the chase. 
Washington's men, on the contrary, advanced closely 
and compactly, and gave the British cavalry such a fatal 
charge, that they fled \a the utmost precipitation. The Bri 
* Allen's Revolution. 



171 

tish infantry now came up ; and having crossed a little val- 
ley, just as they ascended the hill, they found themselves 
within twenty paces of the regular Americans, imder 
Col. Howard, who at this moment poured upon them a 
general and deadly fire. This threw them into confu- 
sion. The militia, seeing this change in the battle, reco- 
vered their spirits and began to form on the right of the 
regulars. Morgan, waving his sword, instantly rode up, 
exclaiming with a loud voice, " Hurrah ! my brave fel- 
lows! form! form! old Morgan loas never beat in his 
life! — one fire more, my heroes, and the da if is our own!^ 
With answering shouts, both regulars and militia then 
advanced upon the enemy ; and following their fire with 
the bayonet, instantly decided the conflict. 

The British lost in this engagement upwards of 300 
killed and wounded, and more than 500 prisoners. The 
loss of the Americans was but 12 killed and 60 wounded. 



84. Battle of Guilford. 

After the disaster at the Cowpens, Lord Cornwallis de- 
termined to intercept Colonel Morgan, and retake the 
prisoners; but a heavy rain in the night, swelled the 
rivers so as to prevent his design. To enable his troops 
to march with more celerity, he destroyed all his heavy 
baggage. At length General Greene joined Colonel 
Morgan, with additional forces, and Lord Cornwallis 
having collected his troops, the armies met near the 
■court-house in Guilford. The action was fought on the 
15th of March, 1781. The Americans amounted to be- 
tween 4 and 5000 men, but mostly militia, or inexperi- 
enced soldiers. The British force consisted of about 
half that number of veterans.* The Americans were 
drawn up in three lines. The front was composed of 
North Carolina militia, commanded by Generals Butler 
and Eaton; the second of Virginia militia, commanded 
by Stephens and Lawson ; the third, of continental 
* Webster. 



172 

troops, commanded by Gen. Huger and Col. Williams. 
The British, after a brisk cannonade in front, advanced 
in three columns, the Hessians on the right, the guards 
in the centre, and Lieut. Col. Webster's brigade on the 
left ; and attacked the front line. The militia composing 
this line, through the ini.sconduct of an officer, in giving 
occasion to a false alarm, precipitately quitted the field. 
The Virginia militia stood their ground, and kept up 
their fire, until they were ordered to retreat.* The con- 
tinental troops were last engaged, and maintained the 
conflict with great spirit an hour and a half; but were 
then forced to give way before their veteran adversaries. 
The British broke the second Maryland brigade: turned 
the American left flank; and got in the rear of the Vir- 
ginia brigade. On their appearing to be gaining Greene's 
right, and thus threatening to encircle the whole of the 
continental troops, a retreat was ordered, which was well 
conducted.! The battle was fought with great bravery 
and effect ; for although Lord Cornwallis remained mas- 
ter of the field, his losses in a country where he could 
not recruit his army, had the effect of a defeat. His loss 
was more than five hundred men. That of the Ameri- 
cans was about four hundred in killed and wounded, of 
which more than three fourths were continentals. 



85. Battle of Eutaw Springs. 

On the 9th of September, 1781, Gen. Greene, having 
assembled about two thousand men, proceeded to attack 
the British, who, under the command of Col. Stewart, 
were posted at Eutaw Springs. The American force 
was drawn up in two lines ; the first, composed of Caro- 
lina militia, was commanded by Generals Marion and 
Pickens, and Col. De Malmedy. The second, which 
consisted of continental troops from North Carolina, Vir- 

* Gen. Stephens, their heroic commander, had posted forty riflemen, 
at equal distances in the rear of this brigade, with orders to shoot 
every man who should leave his post, 

+ Holmes' American Annals. 



173 

ginia, and Maryland, was commanded by Gen. Sumpter, 
Lieut. Col. Campbell, and Col. Williams. Lieut. Col. 
Lee, with his legion, covoved the right flank ; and Lieut. 
Col. Henderson, with the state troops, covered the left. 
A corps de reserve was formed of the cavalry, under 
Lieut. Col. Washington, and the Delaware troops, under 
Capt. Kirkwood. As the Americans came forward to 
the attack, they fell in with some advanced parties of the 
enemy at about two or three miles ahead of the main 
body. These being closely pursued, were driven back ; 
and the action soon became general. The militia were 
at length forced to give way, but were bravely supported 
by the second line. In the hottest part of the engage- 
ment. Gen. Greene ordered the Maryland and Virginia 
continentals to charge with trailed arms. This decided 
the fate of the day. " Nothing," says Dr. Ramsey, 
" could surpass the intrepidity of both officers and men 
on this occasion. They rushed on, in good order, 
through a hea\y cannonade, and a shower of musketry, 
with such unshaken resolution, that they bore down all 
before them." The British were broken, closely pursued, 
and upwards of five hundred of them taken prisoners. 
They, however, made a fresh stand, in a favourable posi- 
tion, in impenetrable shrubs, and a picketted garden. 
Lieut. Col. Washington, after having made every effort 
to dislodge them, was wounded and taken prisoner. 
Four six pounders were brought forward to play upo7i 
them, but they fell into their hands ; and the endeav6nrs 
to drive them from their station being found impracticable, 
the Americans retired, leaving a strong picket on the 
field of battle. Their loss was about five hundred : that 
of the British upwards of eleven hundred. 

Gen. Greene was honoured by congress with a British 
standard, and a gold medal, emblematic of the engage- 
ment and its success, " for his wise, decisive, and mag- 
nanimous conduct in the action of Eutaw Springs, in 
which, with a force inferior in number to that of the 
enemy, he obtained a most signal victory." 

In the evening of the succeeding day, Col. Stewart 
abandoned his post, and retreated towards Charleston, 
15* 



174 

leaving behind upwards of seventy of his wounded, and 
a thousand stand of arms. He was pursued a consider- 
able distance, but in vain. 

The battle of Eutaw produced the most signal conse- 
quences in favour of America. The British, who had 
for such a length of time, lorded it absolutely in South 
Carolina, were, shortly after that event, obliged to con- 
fine themselves to Charleston.* 



86. Storming of Fort Griswold. 

While the combined armies were advancing to the 
siege of Yorktown, General Arnold, the traitor, who had 
lately returned from Virginia, was appointed to conduct 
an expedition against New London. The troops em- 
ployed in this service, were landed on each side of the har- 
bour, in two detachments; the one commanded by Lieut. 
Col. Eyre, and the other by Gen. Arnold. New Lon- 
don is a seaport town, situated near the mouth of the 
Thames, on the west side of that river. For the defence 
of the place, there had been constructed, below the town, 
on the western side of the harbour, a fort, called Fort 
Trumbull, with a redoubt ; and opposite to it, on Groton 
Hill, another fort, called Fort Griswold, a strong square 
fortification, insufficiently garrisoned. Fort Trumbull, 
the redoubt, and the town of New London, being totally 
untenable, were evacuated on the approach of Arnold, 
who took possession of them with inconsiderable loss. 
Fort Griswold was defended by Col. Ledyard, with a 
garrison of about one hundred and sixty men, some of 
whom had just evacuated the works on the opposite side 
of the river. On the rejection of a summons to surren- 
der, the British marched up to the assault on three sides; 
and, though the ascent was steep, and a continued fire 
was directed against them, they at length made a lodg- 
ment on the ditch and fraized work, and entered the 
embrasures with charged bayonets. An officer of the 
* Morse's Revolution. 



J 75 

conquering troops, on entering the fort, asked who com- 
manded it; "I did," answered Col. Ledyard, " but you 
do now ;" and presented him his sword, which was in- 
stantly plunged into his own bosom. Although resist- 
ance had now ceased, yet, to the indelible infamy of the 
conquerors, they commenced a merciless slaughter, which 
" was kept up until a greater part of the garrison was 
killed or wounded." The town of New London, and 
the stores contained in it, were reduced to ashes ; and 
General Arnold, having completed the object of the ex- 
pedition, returned in eight days to New York.* 



87. Siege of Yorktown, and surrender of Cornwallis. 

The 19th of October, 1781, was rendered memorable 
by the surrender of the British army, consisting of 7000 
men, under Cornwallis, at Yorktown, Va. This joyful 
event decided the revolutionary contest, and laid the 
foundation for a general peace. About the last of 
August, Count de Grasse, with a French fleet, arrived 
in the Chesapeake, and blocked up the British troops 
who had fortified themselves at Yorktown. 

Previous to this, the American and French troops, 
under Gen. Washington, had moved to the southward : 
and as soon as he heard of the arrival of a French fleet, 
made rapid marches to the head of Elk river, where 
embarking, the troops soon arrived at Yorktown. 

On the 6th of October, the trenches were opened by 
the combined army, upon his lordship, at the distance of 
600 yards. On the 9th, tlie Americans completed their 
batteries in the afternoon, and began to play upon the 
camp of his lordship, with their twenty-fours, eighteens, 
and ten inch mortars, which continued through the 
night, without intermission. 

The next morning the French opened a terrible fire 
from their batteries, without intermission, for about eight 
hours, and on the succeeding night a tremendous fire 
♦ Holmes' Annals. 



176 

was kept up through the whole line, without intermis- 
sion, through the night. The horrors of this scene were 
greatly heightened by the conflagration of two British 
ships, which were set on fire by the shells, and con- 
sumed in the night, October 10th. The next morning 
another guard ship of the enemy was consumed by the 
shells of the besiegers, and at the same time they opened 
their second parallel, at the distance of 200 yards from 
the enemy's lines. 

On the 14th Gen. Washington ordered two battalions 
to advance to the second parallel, and begin a large bat- 
tery, upon the centre and in advance. During this 
operation the enemy kept up an incessant fire, which 
proved very destructive, and continued through the night. 

Gen. Washington detached the Marquis La Fayette 
at the head of the American light infantry, to storm a 
redoubt on the left of the British, and about 200 yards in 
advance of their lines ; with full powers to revenge upon 
the enemy the cruelties practised at New London, and 
put the captives to the sword. The redoubt was carried 
at the point of the bayonet ; but such was the humanity 
of these sons of liberty, that the captives Avere spared, 
and treated with kindness. 

The fire of the allies, and the sickness that prevailed 
in the British camp, weakened his lordship, and pre- 
vented his making such sorties as he otherwise would 
have done : but the besieged, on the morning of the 
16th, made a sortie, with a detachment of about 400 
men, under the command of Lieut. Colonel Abercrom- 
bie ; carried two batteries, which were nearly ready to 
open their fire, and spiked the cannon. The French 
suffered severely in defending these batteries, but the 
British gained no considerable advantage. On the 
same day, at four in the afternoon, the allies opened 
their batteries, covered with about 100 pieces of heavy 
cannon, and such was the destructive fire, that the British 
works were soon demolished, and silenced. Alarmed 
for his safety, Lord Cornwallis now began to prepare to 
retire ; his boats were collected, and a part of his army 
embarked across to Gloucester Point ; but a violent 



177 

storm arose suddenly, which defeated the plan, and his 
lordship was enabled, with the greatest difficulty, to re- 
cover his boats, and restore the division that had already 
been embarked. 

His lordship now saw that all hopes of succour or 
escape had failed, and that the tremendous fire of the 
allies, with its overwhelming destruction, bore down, 
killed, and destroyed the British army, so as to compel 
him to request a parley on the 18th, for twenty-four 
hours, and that commissioners* might be appointed to 
draw up the terms of capitulation, to which Gen. Wash- 
ington assented, and commissioners were appointed ac- 
cordingly. On the 19th, the articles of capitulation were 
signed, and on the 20th, the whole army of Cornwallis 
marched out, prisoners of war. 

The spectacle of the surrender was impressive and 
affecting. The road through which the captive army 
marched, was lined with spectators. On one side. Gen. 
Washington, Avith the American staff, took their station ; 
on the opposite side, was the Count de Rochambeau with 
the French staff 

" The captive army approached, moving slowly in 
columns, with grcce and precision. Universal silence 
was observed amidst the vast concourse, and the utmost 
decency prevailed ; exhibiting in demeanour, an awful 
sense of the vicissitude of human life, mingled with 
commisseratioh for the unhappy." 

Lord Cornwallis, unable to endure the humiliation of 
marching at the head of his troops, appointed General 
O'Hara his representative, who delivered up the sword 
of Cornwallis to the American commander-in-chief 

* The commissionerB on the part of the allies, were the Viscount 
De Noaille and Lieut. Col. Laurens, whose father had been appoint- 
ed by cong;re83, minister to the court of Vcrsaiih^s, and who was 
captured by the British on his passage, and confined in the tower at 
London, where he remained in close confinement at that very 
time. 



178 



88. Washi7igton taking leave of the Army. 

The storm of the revolution having subsided, the defi- 
nitive treaty was signed on the 30th of September, 1783, 
and the 3d of November was fixed on by congress, fot 
disbanding the United States' army. On the day pre- 
ceding, General Washington gave an affectionate fare- 
well to the soldiers, who, during " (he time thai triec 
men^s souls,''^ had fought by his side. " Being now," he 
said in his address to the army, " to conclude these, my 
last public orders, to take my ultimate leave in a short 
time of the military character, and to bid a final adieu tol 
the armies I have so long had the honour to command,! 
I can only again offer in j-our behalf, my recommenda-J 
tions to our grateful country, and lay prayer to the God 
of armies. May ample justice be done you here, and! 
may the choicest favours, both here and hereafter, attendl 
those, Avho, under the divine auspices, have secured in-" 
numerable blessings for others ! With these wishes and.' 
this benediction, the commander-in-chief is about to re-; 
tire from service. The curtain of separation will soon 
be drawn, and the military scene will be closed for ever."! 

The officers of the army assembled at New York.,; 
Washington was there also, and at parting, thus addressed] 
them : — " With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now] 
take my leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your 
latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your for-; 
mer ones have been glorious and honourable." Takings 
each by the hand, he bade them farewell. They thenj 
accompanied him to the shores of the Hudson, where he* 
was received in a barge magnificently decorated, and| 
manned with thirteen sea captains — and waving hisj 
hat, while the tears started from his eyes, he bade a1 
silent adieu to the companions of his glory. ! 



89. Continental Money. \ 

The expedient of supplying the deficiencies of specie,' 
by emissions of paper bills, was adopted very early inj 



179 

the colonies. In many instances, these emissions pro- 
duced good effects. These bills were generally a legal 
tender, in all colonial or private contracts, and the sums 
issued did not generally exceed the granted requisite for 
a medium of trade ; they retained their full nominal 
value in the purchase of commodities. But as they 
were not received by the British merchants, in payment 
for their goods, there was a great demand for specie and 
bills, which- occasioned the latter at various times to de- 
preciate. Thus was introduced a difference between the 
English sterling money, and the currencies of the differ- 
ent states, which remains to this day.* 

The advantages the colonies had derived from paper 
currency under the British government, suggested to 
congress, in 1775, the idea of issuing bills for the pur- 
pose of carrying on the war. And this, perhaps, was 
the only expedient. They could not raise money by 
taxation, and it could not be borrowed. The first emis- 
sions had no other effect upon the medium of commerce, 
:han to drive the specie from circulation. But when the 
paper substituted for specie, had, by repeated emissions, 
augmented the sum in circulation, much bej-ond the 
usual sum in specie, the bills began to lose their value. 
The depreciation continued, in proportion to the sums 
emitted, until one hundred paper dollars were hardly an 
3quivalent for one Spanish milled dollar. With this de- 
preciated paper was the army paid; and from 1775 to 
1781, this currency was almost the only medium of trade, 
antil the sum in circulation amo\mted to two hundred 
;nillions of dollars. But about the year 1780, specie be- 
Tan to be plcntifiil, being introduced by the French army, 
i private trade with the Spanish islands, and an illicit in- 
.ercourse with tlie British garrison in New York. This 
lircumstancc accelerated the depreciation of the paper 
Dills, until their value had sunk to almost nothiiig. In 

• A dollar in sterling money ia 4s. 6d. But the price of a dollar 
•ose in New England currency to 6.«. ; in New York, to Ss. ; in New 
leraey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, to 7.?. 6rf. ; in Virginia, to 6s.; 
n North Cnrnlina, to Ss. ; in South Carolina and Georgia, to 4s. 8d. 
This ditference, originating between paper and specie, or bill.i, con- 
:inued afterwards to exist in the nominal estimation of gold and sil- 
vn. Pranklin'a Miscellaneous Works. 



ISO ' 

1781, the merchants and brokers of tlie southern states, 
apprehensive of the approaching fate of the currency, 
pushed immense quantities of it suddenly into New 
England ; made vast purchases of goods in Boston, and 
instantly the bills vanished from circulation. 

The whole history of this continental paper, is a his- 
tory of public and private frauds. Old specie debts were 
often paid in a depreciated currency; and even new con- 
tracts for a few weeks or days, were often discharged 
with a small part of the value received. From this plen- 
ty, and the fluctuating state of the medium, sprang hosts 
of speculators, and itinerant traders, who left their honest 
occupations for the prospects of immense gains, in a fraud- 
ulent business, that depended on no fixed principles, and 
the profits of which could be reduced to no certain cal- 
culations.* 



I i 



90. Shay's Insurrection in Massackusetts. 

In the year 1786, an insurrection took place in Massa- 
chusetts. " A heavy debt lying on the state, and almost 
all the corporations within it ; a relaxation of manners 
a free use of foreign luxuries ; a decaj^ of trade ; with a 
scarcity of money ; and above all, the debts due from in- ' 
dividuals to each other; were the primary causes of this ' 
sedition. Heavy taxes, necessarily imposed at this time, , 
were the immediate excitement to discontent and insur- j 
gency." ' 

The leader of the malcontents in Massachusetts, was \ 
Daniel Shays. At the head of three hundred men, he ■ 
marched to Springfield, where the supreme judicial court 
was in session, and took possession of the court-house. I 
He then appointed a committee, who waited on the j 
court with an order couched in the humble form of a < 
petition, requesting tliem not to proceed to business; » 
and botli parties retired. The number of insurgents in- '■ 
creased: the posture of affairs became alarming: and an ■ 
♦Morse's Geography, 1789. 



181 

armj' of 4000 men was at length ordered out for their 
dispersion. This force was placed under the command 
of General Lincoln. His first measure Avas to march to 
Worcester ; and he afforded such protection to the court 
at that place, that it resumed and executed its judicial 
functions. Orders were given to General Shepard, to 
collect a sufficient force to secure the arsenal at Spring- 
field. Accordingly, he raised about 900 men, who were 
re-enforced by 800 militia from the county of Hamp- 
shire. At the head of this force, he marched, as direct- 
ed, to Springfield. 

On the 25th of January, Shays approached, at the 
head of 11 00 men. Shepard sent out one of his aids to 
know the intention of the insurgents, and to warn them 
of their danger. Their answer was, that they would 
have the barracks, and they proceeded to within a few 
hundred yards of the arsenal. They were then informed 
that the militia were posted there by order of the go- 
vernor ; and that they would be fired upon, if they ap- 
proached nearer. They continued to advance, when 
General Shepard ordered his men to fire, but to direct 
their fire over their heads ; even this did not intimidate 
them, or retard their movements. The artillery was then 
levelled against the centre column, and the whole body 
throA\ni into confusion. Shays attempted in vain to rally 
them. They made a precipitate retreat to Ludlow, about 
ten miles from Springfield. Three men were killed, 
and one wounded. They soon after retreated to Peter- 
sham ; but General Lincoln pursuing their retreat, they 
finally dispersed. 

Some of the fugitives retired to their homes ; but many, 
and among them their principal officers, took refuge in 
the states of New Hampshire. Vermont, and New York.* 



91. Adoption of the Federal Constitution. 

In pursuance of the request of Virginia, most of the 
states appointed delegates, who assembled at Annapolis, 

♦ Mrs. VVillard'9 Hist. U. S. 
IG 



182 

September 14, 1786. But on examining their commis- 
sions, it was judged that their powers were too limited 
to enable them to accomplish any desirable purpose. 
They tlierefore adjourned, with instructions to advise the 
states to appoint agents with more ample powers, to meet 
at Philadelphia, the next year. Accordingly, delegates 
from the several states assembled in that city, in May, 
1787, and appointed the venerable Washington for their 
president. That gentleman had retired to his farm in 
1783, with a fixed determination never more to engage 
in public affairs; but he was selected by Virginia as one 
of the delegates on this important occasion, and pressed 
to accept the appointment. After four months' delibera- 
tion, the convention agreed to a frame of government for 
the United States, and recommended it to the several 
states for adoption. 

The states referred the question of adopting the frame 
of government to conventions appointed for that express 
purpose. On that occasion, popular jealousy appeared 
in all its force. It Avas objected, that the plan of govern- 
ment proposed abridged the states of their sovereignty, 
and amounted to a consolidation. This was a fruitful 
theme of declamation, notwithstanding all the calamities 
that had arisen from the jealousies and clashing interests 
of the states, and a Avant of uniformity in public measures. 
Many other objections were urged, especially in the large 
states. At length, however, the proposed frame of fede-i 
ral government was accepted and ratified in 1788, by 
eleven states, and became the constitution of the United 
States. The first convention of North Carolina rejected 
it ; as did the town meetings, to which it was referred, in I; 
Rhode Island. But North Carolina acceded to it in No- jj 
vember, 1789, and Rhode Island in May, 1790. The {I 
ratification of the constitution was celebrated in the large | 
cities, with great joy and splendid exhibitions. A ship, ^ 
the emblem of commerce, and stages for mechanical la- ; 
hour, the emblems of manufactures, were mounted on | 
wheels and dra\\Ti through the streets, attended by im- ] 
mense processions of citizens, arranged according to , 
tlieir professions ; while bands of music, streaming flags, I 



183 

and the roar of the cannon, manifested the enthusiasm 
with which the people received tlie authority of the na- 
tional orovcrnment.* 



92. I/iaugit ration of President Washington. 

On the. 3d of March, 1789, the delegates from the 
eleven states, which at that time had ratified the consti- 
tution, assembled at New York, where a convenient 
and elegant building had been prepared for their accom- 
modation. On opening and counting the votes for presi- 
dent, it was found that George AVashington Avas unani- 
mously elected to that dignified office, and that John 
Adams was chosen vice-president. The annunciation 
of the choice of the first and second magistrates of the 
United States, occasioned a general ditiusion of joy 
among the friends of the Union, and fully evinced that 
these eminent characters were the choice of the people. 

On the 30th of April, 1789, George Washington was 
inaugurated president of the United States of America, 
in the city of New York. The ceremony was per- 
formed in the open gallery of Federal Hall, in the view 
of many thousand spectators. The oath was adminis- 
tered by Chancellor Livingston. Several circumstances 
concurred to render the scene unusually solemn ; the 
presence of the beloved father and deliverer of his coun- 
try — the impressions of gratitude for past service — the 
vast concourse of spectators — the devout fervency with 
which he repeated the oath, and the reverential mamier 
in which he bowed to kiss the sacred volume; these cir- 
cumstances, together with that of his being chosen to 
the most dignified office in America, and perhaps in the 
world, by the unanimous voice of more than three mil- 
lions of enlightened freemen, all conspired to place this 
among the most august and interesting scenes which 
have ever been exhibited on this globe. f 

" It seemed from the number of witnesses," said a 
♦ Webster. t Dr. Morse. 



184 

spectator of the scene, "to be a solemn appeal to heaven 
and earth at once. Upon the subject of this great and 
good man, 1 may perhaps be an enthusiast; but I confess 
I was under an awful and religious persuasion, that the 
gracious Ruler of the universe was looking down at 
that moment, with peculiar complacency, on an act, 
which, to a part of his creatures, was so very important. 
Under this impression, when the chancellor pronounced, 
in a very feeling manner, ' hong live George Washing- 
ton,^ my sensibility was wound up to such a pitch, that 
I could do no more than wave my hat with the rest, 
without the power of joining in the repeated acclamations 
which rent the air." 



93. Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania. 

The year 1794 was distinguished by an insurrection 
in Pennsylvania, commonly called the Whiskey Insur- 
rection. "In 1791, congress had enacted laws laying 
duties upon spirits distilled in the United States, and 
upon stills. From the commencement of the operation 
of these laws, combinations were formed in the four 
western counties of Pennsylvania to defeat them; and 
violences were repeatedly committed. In July of the 
present year, (1794,) about one hundred persons, armed . 
with guns and other weapons, attacked the house of an 
inspector of the revenue, and wounded some persons 
within it. They seized the marshal of the district of 
Pennsylvania, (who had been previously fired on while 
in the execution of his duty, by a party of armed men,) 
and compelled him to enter into stipulations to forbear 
the execution of his office. Both the inspector and the 
marshal were obliged to fly from that part of the country 
to the seat of government. These, and many other out- 
rages, induced President Washington, on the 7th of Au- 
gust, to issue a proclamation, commanding the insurgents 
to disperse, and warning all persons against aiding, 
abetting, or comforting, the perpetrators of these treason- 



185 

able acts, and rcquirin:^ all officers, and other citizens, 
according to their respective duties and the laws of the 
land, to exert their utmost endeavours to prevent and sup- 
press such dangerous proceedings. 

" The president, having ordered out a suitable number 
of the militia, proceeded in October to Bedford, whence 
he gave out instructions to Governor Lee, of Maryland, 
whom he appointed to conduct the militia army for the 
suppression of the insurgents. Governor Lee marched 
his troops, amounting to fifteen hundred men, into the 
western counties of Pennsylvania ; and, on the approach 
of this respectable force, the insurgents laid down their 
arms, solicited the clemency of government, and promised 
future submission to the laws."* Eighteen of the insur- 
gents were tried for treason, but not convicted. During 
the scene of insurgency, no person was killed, excepting 
Major M'Farlane, who was killed in an attack on the 
inspector's house, at the commencement of the insurrec- 
tion, and two men, \vho were killed by some of the army 
ou their march. 



94. Yello:v Fever in Philadelphia in 1793. 

The yellow fever, which has been the scourge of most 
of our principal southern cities, appears to have been in 
existence ever since the first settlement of our country. 
What the first cause of this disease is, or how it is pro- 
pagated, are subjects upon which physicians have a 
variety of opinions. The most remarkable and fatal 
instance of the prevalence of the yellow fever in our 
country, is that which occurred in Philadelphia, in 1793. 

The following description is t^ken from Dr. Rush's 
account of the yellow fever. This distinguished physi- 
cian continued in the city during the whole of this ca- 
lamitous period, and rendered himself conspicuous by 
his humanity and courage, amidst the appalling scenes" 
of contagion, and his skill in combating this destructivt 

* Holmes' Annals. 
16» 



186 

disorder. It commenced early in August, and continued 
till about the 9th of November, during which time four 
thousand persons died out of a population of G0,000. Its 
greatest height was about the middle of October, when 
one hundred and nineteen persons died in one day. 

" The disease (says Dr. Rush) appeared in many 
parts of the town, remote from the spot where it origin- 
ated; although in every instance it was easily traced to 
it. This set the city in motion. The streets and roads 
leading from the city were crowded with families flying 
in every direction for safety, to the country. Business 
began to languish. Water street, between Market and 
Race streets, became a desert. The poor were the first 
victims of the fever. From the sudden interruption of 
business, they suffered for a while from poverty as well 
as disease. A large and airy house at Bush-hill, about 
a mile from the city, was opened for their reception. 
This house, after it became the charge of a comniittee 
appointed by the citizens on the 14th of September, was 
regulated and governed with the order and cleanliness 
of an old and established hospital. An American and 
French physician had the exclusive medical care of it 
after the 22d of September. 

" The contagion, after the second week in September, 
spared no rank of citizens. Whole families were con- 
fined by it. There Avas a deficiency of nurses for the 
sick, and many of those who were employed were un- 
qualified for their business. There was likewise a great 
deficiency of physicians, from the desertion of some, and 
the sickness and death of others. At one time there 
were only three physicians able to do business out of 
their houses, and at this time there were probably not 
less than 6,000 persons ill with the fever. 

" During the first three or four weeks of the prevalence 
of the disorder, I seldom went into a house the first time, 
without meeting the parents or children of the sick in 
tears. Many wept aloud in my entry or parlour, who 
came to ask advice for their relations. Grief after a 
while descended below weeping, and I was much struck 
in observing that many persons submitted to the loss of 



187 

relations and friends .vithout shedding a tear, or mani- 
festing any other of the conunon signs of grief 

"A cheerful coantenance was scarcely to be seen in 
the city for six weeks. I recollect once, in entering the 
house of a poor man, to have met a child of two years 
old that smiled in my face. I was strangely afiected 
with this sight, (so discordant to my feelings and the 
state of the citJ^) before I recollected the age and igno- 
rance of the child. I was confined the next day by an 
attack of the fever, and was sorry to hear, upon my re- 
covery, that the father and mother of this little creature 
died a few days after my last visit to them. 

" The streets every where discovered marks of the 
distress that pervaded the city. More than one half the 
houses were shut up, although not more than one third 
of the inhabitants had fled into the country. In walking, 
for many hundred j-ards, few persons were met, except 
such as were in quest of a physician, a nurse, a bleeder, 
or the men who buried the dead. The hearse alone 
kept up the remembrance of the noise of carriages or 
carts in the streets. Funeral processions were laid aside. 
A black man, leading or driving a horse, with a corpse 
on a pair of chair Avheels, with now and then half a 
dozen relations or friends following at a distance from it, 
met the eye in most of the streets of the city, at every 
hour of the day ; while the noise of the same wheels 
passing slowly over the pavements, kept alive anguish 
and fear in the sick and well, every hour of the night." 



95. St. Clai'i-'s Defeat, and Wayiic!s Victory. 

In 1790, an Indian war opened on the north-western 
frontier of the States. Pacific arrangements had been 
attempted by the president with the hostile tribes ia Ohio, 
without effect. On their failure. Gen. Harmer was sent 
with about 1400 men to reduce them to terms. In this 
expedition, Harmer succeeded in destroying a few vil- 
lages, and a quantity of grain belonging to the Indians ; 



188 

but in an engagement with them near Chillicothe, he was 
defeated with considerable loss. Upon the failure of 
Harmer, Gen. St. Clair was appointed to succeed him. 
With an army of nearly 1500 men, St. Clair suffered 
himself to be surprised, with the loss of 630 men killed 
and missed, and 260 wounded. 

"On the 3d of November, 1791, Gen. St. Clair had 
reached the vicinity of the Miami villages, with an army 
of about 1400 strong, regulars and militia, when he was 
joined by a small force under the command of General 
Hamtrank. 

" In this position Gen. St. Clair concerted measures to 
advance against the Miami villages ; first by constructing 
a breast-work to cover his baggage, and next by detach- 
ing a party of militia to occupy a position about one fourth 
of a mile in advance of the main army. 

" Thus posted, the general contemplated to commence 
the work of destruction the next morning ; but the enemy, 
alive to their safety, surprised the militia at break of day 
the next morning ; put them to flight, and pursued them 
with such fury as to drive them back with great disorder 
upon the main body. Gen. St. Clair beat to arms, and 
put himself at the head of his troops to cover the flying 
militia, and repulse the enemy ; but all in vain ; the action 
continued, the enemy appeared upon all sides of the 
American army, and poured in a deadly fire from the 
surrounding thickets, that strewed the field Avith heaps 
of the wounded, the dead, and the dying. 

" Such was the fury of the contest, that the savages 
rushed to the combat, and penetrated even to the mouths 
of the cannon, regardless of danger and fearless of death; 
the artillerists were slain, the guns taken, and the enemy 
penetrated the camp ; where General Butler fell, mortally 
wounded. General St. Clair ordered the charge of the 
bayonet to be renewed ; the order was promptly obeyed 
by Majors Butler, Clark, and Drake ; the enemy were 
repulsed, the camp was cleared, and the cannon recovered; 
but such was the destruction by the enemy's fire from the 
thickets, that General St. Clair ordered Major Clark to 
•haige the enemy in front, and clear the road, that the 



189 

army might effect a retreat, and thus be saved from total 
ruin; this order was promptly obeyed, the road was 
cleared, and the army commenced a flight, which was 
closely pursued about four miles, when the savages re- 
turned to share the spoils of the camp, and left Gen. St. 
Clair at liberty to pursue his flight to Fort Jefferson, 
(about thirty miles.) Plere he was rejoined by the regi- 
ment under Major Hamtrank, and he called a council of 
war to decide on their future operations; it was resolved 
to pursue their retreat to Fort Washington, which, was 
accordingly accomplished."* 

The Indians still continuing hostile, Gen. Wayne was 
appointed to succeed Gen. St. Clair. Failing to conclude 
a treaty, W^aync, with a force of 900 men, on the 20th 
of August, 1794, attacked a body of 2,000 Indians, on the 
banks of the Miami. The Indians were totally routed, 
a great number killed, and their whole country laid waste. 
"By means of this victory over the Miamis, a general 
war with the Six Nations, and all the tribes north-west of 
the Ohio, was prevented." 

" In the year after, Wayne concluded, at Greenville, 
treaties with the hostile Indians north-west of the Ohio ; 
by which peace was established, on terms mutually satis- 
factory and beneficial. A humane system now com- 
menced for ameliorating their condition. They were, 
henceforth, protected by the United States from the im- 
positions and incursions of lawless white people ; taught 
the use of the loom ; and encouraged in the pursuits of 
agricuhure : measures reflecting high praise on Colonel 
Hawkins, who was amongst the first to execute the be- 
nevolent intentions, originally projected by the humane 
spirit of General Washington." 



96. Difficulties with the French. 

In 1797, France wished to involve America in her 
European wars; but finding her maintaining a steady 
* Butlers Hist. U. S. 



190 

system of neutrality, she adopted measures highly inju- 
rious to the American commerce, and many vessels were 
taken and confiscated. The American government sent 
envoys to France, in order to settle the differences. 
Before the French government would acknowledge the 
envoys, money by way of tribute was demanded ; this 
Avas refused. " I'hese events were followed by depreda- 
tions on American commerce, by the citizens of France ; 
which excited general indignation throughout the United 
States. Civil discord appeared extinct ; and this was the 
genei'al motto : — ' Million!; for defence, not a cent for 
tribute.'' The treaty of alliance with France was con- 
sidered by congress as no longer in force : and farther 
measures were adopted by congress, for retaliation and 
defence. A regular provisional army was established, 
taxes were raised, and additional internal duties laid. 
General Washington, at the call of congress, left his 
peaceful abode to command the armies of the United 
States, while General Hamilton Vv^as made second in 
command. The navy was increased, and reprisals were 
made on the water. At sea, the French frigate L'lnsur- 
gente, of forty guns, was captured after a desperate action, 
by the frigate Constellation, of thirty-eight guns, com- 
manded by Commodore Truxton. The same officer 
compelled another frigate of fifty guns to strike her 
colours ; but she afterwards escaped in the night. 

" On hearing of these vigorous preparations, the French 
government indirectly made overtures for a renewal of 
the negotiations. Mr. Adams promptly met these over- 
tures, and appointed Oliver Ellsworth, cliief justice of the 
United States, Patrick Henry, late governor of Virginia, 
and William Van Murray, minister at the Hagvie, envoys 
to Paris for concluding an honourable peace. They found 
the directory overthrown, and the government in the 
hands of Napoleon Bonaparte, who had not partaken in 
the transactions which had embroiled the two countries 
With him negotiations v\-ere opened, which terminated 
in an amicable adjustment of all disputes. The provisional 
army was soon after disbanded by order of congress."* 
* WiUard. 



191 



97. Death of Washington. 

On the 14th of December, 1799, General Washington 
expired, at his seat at Mount Vernon, in Virginia, leaving 
a nation to mourn his loss, and to embalm his memory 
with their tears. 

The disorder of which General Washington died, was 
an inflammatory affection of the windpipe, occasioned by 
an exposure to a light rain, Avhile attending, the day be- 
fore, to some improvements on his estate. 

The disease at its commencement was violent, and 
medical skill was applied in vain. Respiration became 
more contracted and imperfect, until half past eleven 
o'clock on Saturday night, when, retaining the full pos- 
session of his intellect, he expired without a groan. 

" The equanimity which attended him through life, did 
not forsake him on his death-bed. He submitted to the 
inevitable stroke with the becoming firmness of a man, 
the calmness of a philosopher, the resignation and con- 
fidence of a Christian. When convinced that his disso- 
lution was near, he requested leave to die without farther 
interruption : then, undressing himself, went tranquilly 
to bed, and having placed himself in a suitable attitude, 
soon after closed his eyes with his own hands, and 
yielded up his spirit without a struggle." 

On the melancholy occasion, the senate addressed to 
the president a letter, in Avhich ihey say: "Permit us, 
sir, to mingle our tears with yours. On this occasion it 
is manly to weep. To lose such a man at such a crisis, 
is no common calamity to the world. Our country 
mourns a father. The Almighty Disposer of events has 
taken from us our greatest benefactor and ornament. It 
becomes us to submit with reverence to Him who maketh 
darkness his pavilion. 

" With patriotic pride we review the life of Washing- 
ton, and compare him with those of other countries who 
have been pre-eminent in favour Ancient and modern 
names are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt 
hare too often been allied ; but his fame is whiter than 



192 

it is brilliant. The destroyers of nations stood abashed 
at the majesty of his virtues. It reproved the intemper- 
ance of their ambition, and darkened the splendour 0/ 
victory. 

" The scene is closed ; and we are no longer anxious 
lest misfortune should sully his glory. He has travelled 
on to the end of his journey, and carried with him an 
increasing weight of honour. He has deposited it safely, 
where misfortune cannot tarnish it ; where malipe cannot 
blast it. Favoured of heaven, he departed without exhi- 
biting the weakness of humanity ; magnanimous in death, 
the darkness of the grave could not obscure his bright- 
ness." 

The committee appointed to devise some mode by 
which to express the national feelings, recommended that 
a marble monument be erected by the United States, at 
the city of Washington, to commemorate the great 
events of Washington's military and political life ; that a 
funeral oration be delivered by a member of congress ; 
that the president be requested to write a letter of condo- 
lence to Mrs. Washington ; and that it be recommended 
to the citizens of the United States, to wear crape on the 
left arm for thirty days. 

These resolutions passed both houses unanimously. 
The whole nation appeared in mourning. The funeral 
procession at the city of Wa.shington was grand and 
solemn, and the eloquent oration delivered on the occa- 
sion by Gen. Henry Lee, was heard with profound at- 
tention, and with deep interest. 

Throughout the United States, similar marks of af- 
fliction were exhibited. Funeral orations were deliver- 
ed, and the best talents devoted to an expression of 
grief, at the loss of " the man, first in war, first in peace, 
and first in the hearts of his fellow citizens."* 

♦ Goodnch. 



193 



98. Invention of Steam Boats. 

The first successful application of steam, for the pur- 
pose of propelling boats, was accomplished by Robert 
Fulton, a native of the state of Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Fulton's inventive genius displayed itself at an 
early age. It seems that as early as the year 1793, he 
had conceived the idea of propelling vessels by steam, 
and he speaks in some of his writings with great confi- 
dence of its practicability. 

After a number of years residence in Europe, and 
making a variety of experiments both in that country and 
in this, his labours were finally crowned with success. 

In the spring of 1807, the first steam boat built in this 
country was launched from a ship yard in New York, 
on the East River. The engine, which he procured 
from England, was put on board in August, and the boat 
was completed, and moved by her machinery to the 
Jersey shore. This boat, which was called the Cler- 
mont, soon after sailed for Albany, which voyage she 
accomplished, going at the rate of about five miles an 
hour ; she afterwards became a regular passage boat be- 
tween New York and Albany. The account of her 
first voyage to Albany is thus described : " She excited 
the astonishment of the inhabitants on the shores of the 
Hudson, many of whom had not heard even of an engine, 
much less of a steam boat. She was described by some 
who had indistinctly seen her passing in the night, as a 
monster moving on the v/aters, defying the tide, and 
breathing flames and smoke. Her volumes of smoke 
and fire by night, attracted the attention of the crews of 
other vessels. Notwithstanding the wind and tide were 
adverse to its progress, they saw with astonishment that 
it was rapidly approaching them ; and when it came so 
near that the noise of the machinery and paddles was 
heard, the crews, in some instances, sunk beneath their 
decks, from the terrific sight, and left their vessels to go 
on shore, while others prostrated themselves, and be- 
sought Providence to protect them from the approaches 
17 



104 ] 

of this horrible monster, which was marching on the 
tides, and lighting its path by the fires which it vomited." ] 

From the time that this boat was put in motion, this 
noble invention has been rapidly extended ; till it is now ; 
used in every part of theciv^ilized world. 

The following is from a discourse delivered by Judge 
Story, before the Boston Mechanics' Lyceum — " I my- i 
self "have heard the illustrious inventor relate, in an ani- 
mated and affectionate manner, the history of his labours ] 
and discouragements. When, said he, I was building j 
my first steamboat at New York, the project was viewed 
l)y the public either with indifference, or with contempt, 
as a visionary scheme. My friends, indeed, were civil, but 
they were shy. They listened with patience to my expla- 
nations, but with a settled cast of incredulity on their coun- \ 
tenances. I felt the force of the lamentation of the poet — j 

Truths would you teach to save a sinking land, j 

All shun, none aid you ; and few understand. I 

" As I had occasion to pass daily to and from the , 
building yard, while my boat was in progress, I have ' 
often loitered unknown near the idle groups of strangers, ' 
gathering in little circles, and heard various inquiries as i 
to the object of this new vehicle. The language was uni- ,| 
formly that of scorn, or sneer, or ridicule. The loud 
laugh often rose at my expense : the dry jest ; the wise 
calculation of losses and expenditures; the dull but end- j 
less repetition of the Fulton Folly. Never did a single 
encouraging remark, a bright hope, or a Avarm wish, * 
cross my path. Silence itself was but politeness, veiling 
its doubts or hiding its reproaches. At length the day 
arrived when the experiment was to be put into opera- 
tion. To me it Avas a most trying and interesting occa- 
sion. I invited my friends to go on board to witness the 
first successful trip. Many of them did me the favour to 
attend as a matter of personal respect ; but it was mani- 
fest, that they did it Avith reluctance, fearing to be the 
partners of my mortification and not of my triumph. I 
was well aware that in my case there were many rea- 
sons to doubt of my own success. The machinery was 
new and ill made ; many parts of it were constructed by 



195 

mechanics unaccustomed to such work ; and unexpected 
difficulties might reasonably be presumed to present 
themselves from other causes. The moment arrived in 
which the word was to be given for the vessel to move; 
my friends were in groups upon deck ; they were silent, 
and sad, and weary. I road in their looks nothing but 
disaster, and almost repented of my efforts. The signal 
was given, and the boat moved a short distance, and then 
stopped and became immoveable. To the silence of the 
preceding moment now succeeded murmurs of discon- 
tent, and agitations, and whispers, and shrugs. I could 
hear distinctly repeated, ' I told you it would be so— it 
is a foolish scheme — I wish we were well out of it.' I 
elevated myself upon a platform, and addressing the as- 
sembly, stated that I knew not what was the matter; but 
if they would be quiet, and indulge me for a half an hour, 
I wobld either go on, *or abandon the voyage for that 
lime. This short respite was conceded to, Avithout ob- 
jection. I went below, examined the machinery, and 
discovered that the cause was a slight mal-adjustment of 
some of the works. The boat was put in motion. She 
continued to move on. All were still incredulous. None 
seemed willing to trust the evidence of their own senses. 
We left the fair city of New York; wo passed through 
the romantic and ever-varying scenery of the high-lands ; 
we descried the clustering houses of Albany ; we reached 
its shores ; and then, even then, when all seemed achiev- 
ed, I was the victim of disappointment. Imagination su- 
perseded the influence of fact. It was then doubted, if it 
could be done again ; or if done, it was doubted, if it 
could be made of any great value. 

" Such was the history of the first experiment, as it 
fell, not in the very language which I have used, but in 
substance, from the lips of the inventor. He did not 
live, indeed, to enjoy the full glor}'^ of his invention. It 
is mournful to say that attempts wore made to rob him in 
the first place of the merits of his invention, and next of its 
fruits. He fell a victim to his efforts to sustain his title 
to both. When already his invention had covered the 
waters of the Hudson, he seemed little satisfied with the 



106 

results, and looked forward to far more extensive opera- 
tions. My ultimate triumph, he used to say, my ultimate 
triumph will be on the Mississippi. I know, indeed, 
that even now it is deemed impossible by many, that the 
difficulties of its navigation can be overcome. But I am 
confident of success. I may not live to see it ; but the 
Mississippi will yet be covered with steam boats ; and 
thus an entire change be wrought in the course of the 
internal commerce and navigation of our country. 

" And it has been wrought. And the steam boat, look- 
ing to its effects upon commerce and navigation; to the 
combined influences of facilities of travelling and the 
facility of trade ; of rapid circulation of news and still 
more rapid circulation of pleasure and products ; seems 
destined to be numbered among the noblest benefactions 
of the human race." 



99. Wars with the Barbary States. 

War with Tripoli. — In 1803, congress sent out a 
squadron under the command of Commodore Preble, to 
the Mediterranean, to protect the American commerce, 
and to bring the Tripolitans to submission. The Tri- 
politan cruisers had long annoyed our commerce; many 
merchantmen had been taken, and their crews imprison- 
ed, and cruelly used. 

After having taken a number of the enemy's vessels, 
Commodore Preble arrived before Tripoli, and block- 
aded the harbour ; his force consisted of one frigate, three 
brigs, three schooners, and six gun boats. The number 
of men engaged in the service amounted to one thousand 
and sixty. With this force, Preble repeatedly attacked 
and bombarded the city, although it was defended by a 
castle and batteries, on which were mounted 115 pieces 
of cannon; besides this, they had armed vessels in the 
harbour. In addition to the ordinary Turkish garrison, 
and the crews of the armed vessels, estimated at 3,000, 
upwards of 20,000 Arabs had been assembled for the de- 



107 

fence of that city. Such, however, was the eftect ol' 
American bravery, that the haughty bashaw was chas- 
tised into a peace, which was negotiated by Col. Lear, 
the American Consul. The pope made a public declara- 
tion, that the " United States, though in their infancy, 
had in this affair done more to humble the anti-christiaii 
barbarians, on that coast, than all the European States 
had done for a long- series of time." 

Closely connected with the above, is the celebrated 
expedition of Gen. Eaton, across the desert of Barca. 
'■ It happened that some time before this, the then reign- 
ing bashaw of Tripoli, Jussuf third, son of the late 
bashaw, had murdered his father and eldest brother, and 
proposed to murder the second, in order to possess him- 
self of the throne. But the latter, Hamet Caramelli, 
made his escape, and Jussuf, without farther opposition, 
usurped the government. 

Hamet took refuge in Egypt, where he was kindly 
treated by the beys. Here he was on the arrival of an 
accredited agent of the United States, (Gen. Eaton.) who 
revived his almost expiring hopes of regaining his right- 
ful kingdom. 

(ien. Eaton had been consul for the United States up 
the Mediterranean, and was returning home when he 
heard of the situation of Hamet. Conceiving a plan of 
liberating tke Americans in captivity at Tripoli, by means 
of the assistance of Hamet, and, at the same time, of re- 
storing this exile to his throne, he advised with Hamet, 
who readily listened to the project, and gave his co-ope- 
ration. 

Eaton contrived to obtain from the viceroy of Egypt 
an amnesty for Hamet, and permission for him to pass 
the Turkish army unmolested. A rendezvous was ap- 
pointed ; they met near Alexandria, and formed a con- 
vention, in the eighth article of which it was stipulated, 
tliat Eaton should be recognised as general command- 
er-in-chief of the land forces which were or might 
be called into service against the common enemy, the 
reigning bashaw of Tripoli. The forces consisted of 9 
Americans, a company of 25 cannoniers, and a company 
17* 



198 

of 38 Greeks, the bashaw's suite of about 90 men, and a 
party of Arab cavalry: which, including- footmen and 
camel drivers, made the whole number about 400. Such 
was the land expedition against Tripoli. The march 
was pursued through the desert of Barca, with a great 
variety of adventure and suffering, and Bomba was 
reached April 1.5th, where the United States vessel, the 
Argus, Capt. Hull, and the Hornet, had arrived Avith 
provisions, to enable the almost famished army to pro- 
ceed to Dome. April 25th, they encamped on an emi- 
nence Avhich commands this place, and immediately re- 
connoitred. On the morning of the 26th, terms of 
amity were offered the bey, on condition of allegiance 
and fidelity. The flag of truce was sent back with this 
laconic answer, " My head or yours !" Derne was ta- 
ken, after a furious assault, but its possession was not 
secure. An army of the reigning bashaw of Tripoli, 
consisting of several thousand troops, approached the 
town, and gave battle to the victors. May 13, but were 
repulsed with considerable loss. June 2, they returned 
to the assault, and met with no better fate. On the tenth 
an engagement took place, in which there were supposed 
to be not less than 5000 men on the field. The hopes 
of Eaton were, however, suddenly blasted by official in- 
telligence, received on the 11th, that the American ne- 
gotiators, in the squadron before Tripoli, had concluded 
a peace with the usurper. Eaton was required to eva- 
cuate the post of Dcrnc, and, with his Crreek and Ame- 
rican garrison, to repair on board the ships. It was 
necessary for him to do this clandestinely, lest his Ara- 
bian auxiliaries should endeavour to prevent him. Ha- 
met embarked at the same time ; the Arabians fled to 
the mountains ; and thus ended this gallant and roman- 
tic affair, which is stated in the official correspondence 
of the American commissioners who negotiated the 
peace, to have had the effect of bringing the Trinolitans 
to terms. 

Eaton returned to the United States, in August, where 
he received the most flattering marks of public favour. 
The president, in his message to congress, made ho- 



199 

nourable mention of liis merit and services. A resolu- 
tion was moved in the house of representatives, at Wash- 
ington, for presenting him with a medal ; but the motion, 
after being warmly debated, was rejected by a small 
majority. The legislature of Massachusetts gave him 
a tract of land, 10,U00 acres, in testimony of their sense 
of his " undaunted courage and brilliant service." 

Algerinc War. — Soon after the ratification of peace 
with Great Britain, in February, 1815, congress, in 
consequence of the hostile conduct of the regency of 
Algiers, declared war against that power. A squadron 
was immediately sent out under the command of Com. 
Decatur, (who had formerly highly distinguished him- 
self in the Tripolitan war,) consisting of three frigates, 
two sloops of war, and four schooners. With this force 
Com. Decatur sailed from New York, May 20th, 1815, 
and arrived in the bay of Gibraltar in twenty-five days. 
On the 17th of June, off Cape de Gatt, he captured the 
Algerine frigate Mazouda, after a running fight of twen- 
ty-five mJnutes. After the second broadside, the Alge- 
rines ran below. In this afiliir, the famous Algerine 
admiral, or rais, Hammida, who had long been the ter- 
ror of this sea, was cut in two by a cannon shot. On 
the 19th of June, off Cape Palos, the squadron captured 
an Algerine brig of twenty-two guns. From Cape Pa- 
los the American squadron proceeded to Algiers, where 
it arrived on the 28th of June. Decatur immediately 
despatched a letter from the President of the United 
States to the Dey, in order to afford him a fair opportu- 
nity for negotiation. The captain of the port was im-. 
mediately sent to the squadron on receipt of this letter, 
accompanied by the Swedish consul ; and Commodore 
Decatur, who, with Mr. Shaler, had been empowered to 
negotiate a treaty, proposed a basis, on which alone he 
.would consent to entrr inio a treaty. This was the ab- 
solute and unqualified relinquishment of any demand of 
tribute, on the part of the regency. To this the captain 
demurred. But being informed of the capture of the 
frigate and brig, and the death of Hammida, he was 
unnerved, and agreed to negotiate on the proposed basis. 



200 

The model of the treaty was sent to the Dey, who signed 
it. The principal articles in this treaty were, that no tri- 
bute, under any circumstances whatever, should be re- 
quired by Algiers from the United States of America; 
that all Americans in slavery should be given up without 
ransom; that compensation should be made for American 
vessels or property, seized or detained at Algiers; that/ 
the persons and property of Americans, found on board 
of an enemy's vessel, should be sacred : that vessels of 
cither party putting into port should be supplied at mar- 
ket price ; that if a vessel of either party should be cast 
on the shore, she should not be plundered, &c. The 
rights of American citizens on the ocean, and the land, 
were generally fully provided for, in every instance ; 
and it was particularly stipulated, that all citizens of the 
United States, taken in war, should be treated as prison- 
ers of war are treated by other nations; and held sub- 
ject to an exchange without ransom. After concluding 
this treaty, so highly honourable and advantageous to 
our country, the commissioners gave up the frigate and 
brig, which had been captured, to their former owners. 

After this. Com. Decatur visited Tunis and Tripoli 
and demanded and obtained compensation for the inj\i- 
ries done American citizens by those powers. 



101. Burr's Conspiracy. 

In the autumn of 1806, a project was detected, at the 
head of which was Col. Buir, for revolutionizirvg the 
territory west of the Alleganies, and of establishing an 
independent empire there, of which New Orleans was 
to be the capital, and himself the chief Towards the 
accomplishment of this schem.e, which it afterwards ap- 
peared had been some time in contemplation, the skilful 
cunning and intrigue of Col. Burr were directed. 

In addition to this project, Col. Burr had formed ano- 
ther, which, in case of failure in the first, might be car- 
ried on independently of it — this was an attack on Mexi«o, 



201 

and the establishment of an empire there. "A third 
object was provided, merely ostensible, to wit, the settle- 
ment of the pretended purchase of a tract of country on 
the Washita, claimed by a Baron Bastrop. This was 
to serve as a pretext for all his preparations, an allure- 
ment for such followers as really wished to acquire set- 
tlements in that country, and a cover under which to re- 
treat in the event of a final discomfiture of both branches 
of his real designs. 

" He found at once that the attachment of the western 
country to the present union was not to be shaken ; that 
its dissolution could not be effected witli* the consent of 
the inhabitants: and that his resources were inadequate, 
as yet, to effect it by force. He determined, therefore, to 
seize New Orleans, plunder the bank there, possess him- 
self of the military and naval stores, and proceed on his 
expedition to Mexico. 

" He collected, therefore, from all quarters, where 
himself or his agents possessed influence, all the ardent, 
restless, desperate, disaffected persons, who were for an 
enterprise analogous to their character. He also se- 
duced good and well meaning citizens, some by assur- 
ances that he possessed the confidence of the government, 
and was acting under its secret patronage ; and others 
by offers of land in Bastrop's claim on the Washita."* 

Burr was apprehended, and conveyed a prisoner to 
Richmond, in Virginia; the state in which his adherents 
had first collected. He Avas brought to trial August 
17th, 1807. Several days were consumed in the exami- 
nation of witnesses ; who proved an assembling of twenty 
or thirty persons on Blannerhassett's island, in the pre- 
ceding December; but as it did not appear that the con- 
spirators had used any force against the United States, 
or that Burr was present at the meeting, he was acquit- 
ted. Indictments had been found against Herman Blan- 
nerhassett, and five others, for a similar offence; but on 
the i.ssue of Burr's trial, the attorney-general declined 
farther proceedings. The following is a part of Mr. 
Wirt's speech on this trial : 

* President's Message to Congress, July 21, 1807. 



202 

" Who is Blannerhasset ? A native of Ireland, a man 
of letters, who fled from the storms of his own country 
to find quiet in ours. Possessing himself of a beautiful 
island in the Ohio, he rears upon it a palace, and deco- 
rates it with every, romantic embellishment of fancy. 
A shrubbery, that Shenstone might have envied, blooms 
around him ; music, that might have charmed Calypso | 
and her nymphs, is his; an extensive library spreads its 5 
treasures before him ; a philosophical apparatus offers i 
to him all the secrets and mysteries of nature ; peace, 
tranquillity, and innocence, shed their mingled delights , 
around him; and to crown the enchantment of the scene, ; 
a wife, who is said to be lovely even beyond her sex, and J 
graced with every accomplishment that can render it ' 
irresistible, had blessed him with her love, and made , 
him the father of her children. The evidence would j 
convince you, sir, that this is only a faint picture of the l 
real life. In the midst of all this peace, this innocence, 
and this tranquillity, this feast of the mind, this pure j 
banquet of the heart, — the destroyer comes ; he comes to ', 
turn this paradise into a hell. A stranger presents him- 
self. It is Aaron Burr ! Introduced to their civilities i 
by the high rank which he had lately held in his coun- \ 
try, he soon finds his Avay to their hearts by the dignity 
and elegance of his demeanour, the light and beauty of j 
his conversation, and the seductive and fascinating power ' 
of his address. 'The conquest was not a difficult one. ; 
Innocence is ever simple and credulous ; conscious of no 
designs of itself, it suspects none in others ; it wears no 
guards before its breast; every door, and portal, and ] 
•avenue of the heart is thrown open, and all who choose ] 
it enter. Such was the sfate of Eden, when the serpent i 
entered its bowers. The prisoner, in a more engaging i 
form, winding himself into the open and unpractised ; 
heart of the unfortunate Blannerhasset, found but little 
difficulty in changing the native character of that heart i 
and the objects of its afiection. By degrees he infuses '. 
into it the poison of his own ambition ; he breathes into 
it the fire of his own courage; a daring and desperate j 
thirst for glory ; an ardour panting for all the storms, and * 



203 

bustle, and hurricane of life. In a short time the whole 
man js changed, and every object of his former delight 
relinquished. No more he enjoys the tranquil scene; it 
has become flat and insipid to his taste : his books are 
abandoned; his retort and crucible are thrown aside; 
his shrubbery blooms and breathes its fragrance upon 
the air in vain ; he likes it not: his ear no longer drinks 
the rich melody of music : it longs for the trumpet's 
clangour and the cannon's roar ; even the prattle of his 
babes, once so sweet, no longer afiects him; and the 
angel smile of his wife, which hitherto touched his bosom 
with ecstacy so unspeakable, is now unseen and unfelt. 
Greater objects have taken possession of his soul : his 
imagination has been dazzled by visidfcs of diadems, and 
stars, and garters, and titles of nobility . he has. been 
taught to burn with restless emulation at the narnes of 
Cromwell, Cesar, and Bonaparte. His enchanted island 
is destined soon to relapse into a desert ; and in a few 
months we find the tender and beautiful partner of his 
bosom, whom he lately 'permitted not the winds of sum- 
mer to visit too roughly,' — we find her shivering, at 
midnight, on the winter banks of the Ohio, and mingling 
her tears with the torrents that froze as they fell. Yet 
this unfortunate man, thus deluded from his interest and 
his happiness ; thus seduced from the paths of innocence 
and peace; thus confounded in the toils which were de- 
liberately spread for him, and overwhelmed by the 
mastering spirit and genius of another; this man, thus 
ruined and undone, and made to play a subordinate part 
in this grand drama of guilt and treason; this man is to 
be called the principal offender; while he, by whom he 
was thus plunged and steeped in misery, is comparatively 
innocent — a mere accessory. Sir, neither the human 
heart nor the human understanding will bear a perver- 
sion so monstrous and absurd ; so shocking to the soul ; 
so revolting tp jga 




204 



102. Expedition of Captains Lewis and Clark; to the 
Pacific Ocean. 

In the year 1803, the extensive territory of Louisiana 
was purchased from the French government, by Presi- 
dent Jefferson, for fifteen millions of dollars. Upon the 
acquisition of the new territory, the attention of the 
government of the United States was directed towards 
exploring the country. Accordingly, Captains Lewis 
and Clarke, and a party of 25 men, Avho were enlisted 
for the purpose, were sent on this expedition. The 
paj'ty proceeded to the mouth of Wood River, near St. 
Louis, andon the 14th of May, 1804, with three boats, 
began the tedious and difficult expedition of exploring 
the vast wilderness before them. Following the course 
of the Missouri, they arrived in October at the Mandan 
villages, where they built a kind of fort and encamped 
for the winter. In April they left their encampment, 
and with two lasge boats and six small canoes proceeded 
on their expedition. On the r2th of August, 1805, they 
discovered the sources of the Missouri, the longest rirer 
in the known world, if we add the distance after it unites 
with the Mississippi to the ocean, it being almost 4,500 
miles long. After following the course of the river, at 
the foot of a mountain, it became so diminished in 
width that one of the men in a fit of enthusiasm, with 
one foot on each side of the river, thanked God that he 
had lived to bestride the Missouri. After they went 
about four miles, they reached a small gap, formed by 
the high mountains, which recede on each side, leaving 
room for an Indian road. " From the foot of one of the 
lowest of these mountains, which rises with an ascent 
of about half a mile, issues the remotest water of the 
Missouri." 

After they had quenched their thirst at the fountain, 
they sat down by the brink of the little rivulet, and felt 
themselves rewarded for their la hour and difficulties, in 
thus attaining one of the grand objects of their expedi- 
lion. 



205 

Leaving this interesting spot, they, pursuing the In- 
dian path through the interval of the hills, arrived at 
the top of a ridge, from whence they saw high moun- 
tains, partially covered with snow, still to the west of 
them. The ridge on which they stood formed the di- 
viding line between the waters of the Atlantic and Pa- 
cilic oceans. They followed the descent of the ridge, 
and at the distance of three quarters of a mile, reached 
a bold creek of clear, cold water, running to the west- 
ward. They stopped to taste, for the first time, the 
waters of the Columbia. 

Having proceeded as far as they could with canoes, 
they Avere obliged to leave them and purchase horses of 
the natives, with which they crossed the Rocky Moun- 
tains. In performing this journey they were reduced to 
great straits, being obliged to kill some of their horses 
for food. After passing several ranges of steep and 
rugged mountains, they descended the Columbia River, 
till it discharges itself into the Pacific Ocean, where 
they arrived November 14th, 1805. They encamped 
for the winter, and on the 23d of March, 1806, set out 
on their return to the United States. After encountering 
many dangers, hardships, and privations, they finally 
arrived at St. Louis, Missouri, on the 23d of September, 
1806. The route which the party took from St. Louis 
to the Pacific Ocean, was a distance of 4,134 miles. In 
returning, they passed upon a better and more direct 
route, shortening the distance to 3,555 miles, from the 
Pacific to St. Louis. 



103. Burning of the Theatre, at Richmond,Va. 

The following account of this awful catastrophe is 
from the Richmond Standard of Dec. 27th, 1811. 

Last night the Play House in this city was crowded 
with an unusual audience. There could not have been 
less than 600 persons in the house. Just before the con- 
blusion of the play, the scenery caught fire ; and in a few 
18 



206 ' 

minutes the whole building was wrapt in flames. It is ; 
already ascertained that 61 persons were devoured by] 
that most terrific element. I'he editor of this paper was ^ 
in the house when the cver-to-be-remembf rod deplorable 1 
accident occurred. He is informed that the scenery took '< 
fire in the back part of the house, by raising a chande- 
lier ; that the boy who was ordered by some of the play- 
ers to raise it, stated, that if he did so, the scenery would 
take fire, when he was commanded in a peremptory 
manner to hoist it. The boy obeyed, and the fire was 
iiistantly communicated to the scenery. He gave the 
alarm in the rear of the stage, and requested some of the j 
attendants to cut the cords by w'hich the combustible ma- ^ 
terials were suspended. The person whose duty it was ^ 
to perform this bupine.s.s, became panic struck, and sought 
his own safety. This unfortunately happened at a time 
when one of the performers was playing near the orches- 
tra, and the greatest part of the stage, with its horrid 
danger, was obscured from the audience by a curtain. 
The flames spread with almost the rapidity of lightning; 
and the fire falling from the ceiling upon the performer, 
was the first notice which the people had of their danger. 
Even then many supposed it to be part of the play, and 
were for a little time restrained from flight by a cry from 
the stage, that there Avas no danger.. The performers and 
their attendants in vain endeavoured to tear down the 
scene^J^ The fire flashed in every part of the house 
with a rapidity horrible and astonishing. No person, 
who was not present, can form any idea of this unexam- 
pled scene of human di.stress. The editor being not fat 
from the door, was avnong the first to escape. No woi'da 
can express his horror, when, on thrning round, he dis- 
covered the whole building to be in flames. There was but 
one door for the greatest part of the audience to pass.-; 
Men, women, and children, were pressing upon each 
other, while the flames were seizing upon those behind.'] 
The editor went to the difierent windows, which were j 
very high, and implored his fellow-creatures to save their j 
lives by jumping out of them. Those nearest the win- j 
dows, ignorant of their danger, were afraid to leap down, \ 



•207 

whilst those behind them were seen catching on fire and 
writhing in the greatest agonies of pain and distress. 
At length, those behind, urged by the pressing flames, 
pushed those who were ncare&t to the windows, and peo- 
ple of every description began to fall one upon another ; 
some Avith their clothes on fire, others half roasted.* * * 

The editor, with the assistance of others, caught several 
of those whom he had begged to leap from the windows. 
Fathers and mothers were deploring the loss of their 
children ; children the loss of their parents. Husbands 
were heard to lament their lost companions. The people 
were seen wringing their hands, and beating their breasts; 
and those that had secured themselves, seemed to suffer 
greater torments than those who were enveloped in 
flames.* * * * 

A sad gloom pervades this place, and every counten- 
ance is cast down to the earth. * * * Imagine what can- 
not be described. The most distant and implacable ene- 
my, and the most savage barbarians, will condole our un- 
happy lot. All those who were in the pit escaped, an(f 
had cleared themselves from the house, before those in 
the boxes could get down. Those from above were push- 
ing each other down the steps, when the hindermost 
might have got out by leaping into the pit. A gen- 
tleman and lady, who otherwise would have perished, 
had their lives saved by being providentially thrown 
from the second boxes. There would not have been the 
least difficulty in descending from the first boxes into the 



# # * # » 



104. Second War ic'dh Qreal Britain. 

Causes of the War. — Embargo. — Declaration of 

War. — The remote causes of the second war with Great 

•i Britain appear to have arisen from the war existing be- 

• tween that pawer and France. America endeavoured 

to maintain a"trict neutrality, and peaceably to continue. 

a commerce with them. Jealousies, however, arose 

a- 



208 

between the contendingf powers, with respect to the con- 
duct of America, and events occurred, calculated to 
injure her commerce, and to disturb her peace. The 
Berlin Decree of 1806, and that of Milan, in the suc- 
ceeding year, (both issued by the French government, 
to prevent the American flag from trading with their 
enemy,) were followed by the British Orders in Coun- 
cil ; no less extensive than the former in the design, and 
equally repugnant to the law of nations. In addition to 
these circumstances, a cause of irritation existed some 
time between the United States and Great Britain. This 
was the right of search, claimed by Great Britain, as 
one of her prerogatives. This was to take her native 
born subjects, Avherever found, for her navy, and to 
search American vessels for that purpose. Notwith- 
standing the remonstrances of the American govern- 
ment, the officers of the British navy were not unfre- 
quently seizing native born British subjects, who had 
voluntarily enlisted on board our vessels, and had also 
impressed into the British service some thousands of 
American seamen. 

"On the 22d of June, 1807, the indignation of the 
country was aroused by the attack on the American 
frigate Chesapeake, ofi' the Capes of Virginia, by the 
British frigate Leopard ; four men were killed, and 
sixteen were wounded on board the Chesapeake, and 
four seamen impressed, three of whom were natives of 
America." 

In consequence of the British and French decrees, a 
general capture of all American property on the seas 
seemed almost inevitable. Congress therefore, on the 
recommendation of the president, on the 22d of De- 
cember, 1807, laid an embarg-o on all vessels within the 
jurisdiction of the United States. "In a moment, the 
commerce of the American Republic, from being, in 
point of extent, the second in the world, was reduced to 
a coasting trade between the individfeai: States." The 
opposition to the act in several State^j»^so great, that 
they declared against it; and individi^S^^^roughout the 
whole, seized every opportunity of infringement. In 



209 

1809, congress repealed the embargo law, and substi- 
tuted a nofi-inlerrourse with France and England. 

On the 18th of June, 1812, an act was passed de- 
claring war against Great Britain. This act passed the 
house of representatives by a majority of 89 to 49 ; in 
the senate by a majority of 19 to 13. In the manifesto 
of the president, the reasons of the war were stated to 
be " the impressment of American seamen by the Bri- 
tish ; the blockade of her enemies' ports, supported by 
no adequate force, in consequence of which the American 
commerce had been plundered in every sea; and the 
British orders in council." 



105. Mob in Baltimore. 

" A few days after the declaration of war the town of 
Baltimore was seriously disturbed. Some harsh stric- 
tures on the conduct of government having appeared in 
a newspaper of that city, entitled the " Federal Repub- 
lican," the resentment of the opposite party was shown 
by destroying the office and press of that establishment. 
The commotion excited by this outrage had, however, 
in a great measure subsided, and the transaction was 
brought before a criminal court for investigation. But 
events more alarming and tragical shortly afterwards 
succeeded. On the 2Gth of July, Mr. Hanson, the lead- 
ing editor of the obnoxious journal, Avho had deemed 
it prudent to leave the disordered city, returned, accom- 
panied by his political adherents ; amongst whom was 
General Henry Lee, of Alexandria, an officer distin- 
guished in the revolution, for his bravery in partisan 
warfare at the head of a legion of cavalry, afterwards 
governor of Virginia, and a representative from that 
State in the congress of the Federal Government. De- 
termined to re-commence the paper, by first printing it 
in Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, and then 
transmitting it to Baltimore for distribution, a house 
was for this purpose occupied in Charles-street, secured 
18* 



210 

against external violence, and guarded by a party well 
provided for defence. On the 28111, papers were ac- 
cordingly issued. These contained severe animadver- 
sions against the mayor, police, and the people of Bal- 
timore, for the depredations committed on the establish- 
ment in the preceding month, and were generally cir- 
culated throughout the city. 

" In the course of the day it became knoA\Ti that Mr. 
Hanson was in the new office in Charles-street, and it 
was early whispered that the building would be assailed. 
A number of citizens who espoused his opinions, went, 
therefore, to the house, and joined in its protection. To- 
wards the evening, a crowd of boys collected ; who, after 
using opprobrious epithets to those within, began to throw 
stones at the windows; and about the same time, a per- 
son on the pavement, endeavouring to dissuade the youths 
from mischief, was severely wounded by something pon- 
derous thrown from the house. They were cautioned 
from the windows to desist ; but still continued to assail 
the place with stones. Two muskets were then fired 
from the upper story ; charged, it was supposed, with 
blank cartridges, to deter them from further violence ; 
immediately the crowd in the street greatly increased ; 
the boys were displaced by men : the sashes of the lower 
windows were broken, and attempts made to force the 
door. Muskets, in quick succession, were discharged 
from the house; some military arrived to disperse the 
crowd ; several shots were fired in return ; and at length 
a Dr. Gale was killed by a shot from the office door. 
The irritation of the mob was increased. They planted 
a cannon against the house, but were restrained from dis- 
charging it, by the timely arrival of an additional military 
force, and an agreement that the persons in the house 
would surrender to the civil authority. Accordingly, 
early in the following morning, having received as- 
surances on which they thought themselves safe in rely- 
ing, they surrendered, and were conducted to the county 
jail, contiguous to the city. The party consisted of about 
twenty persons; amongst whom were General Lee, 
General James Lingan, and Mr. Hanson. 



211 

" The mayor directed the sheriff to use every pre- 
caution to secure the doors of the prison, and the com- 
mander of the troops to employ a competent force to 
preserve the peace. In the evening every thing bore the 
appearance of tranquillity ; and the soldiers, by the con- 
sent of the magistrate, were dismissed. But, shortly 
after dark, a great crowd of disorderly persons reas- 
sembled about the jail, and manifested an intention to 
force it open. On being apprised of this, the mayor 
hastened to the spot, and with the aid of a few other 
gentlemen, for a while prevented the execution of the 
design : but they were at length overpowered by the 
number and violence of the assailants. The mayor was 
carried away by force; and the turnkey compelled to 
open the doors. A tragedy ensued, which cannot be 
described : it can be imagined only by those who are 
familiar with scenes of blood. General Lingan was 
killed ; eleven were beaten and mangled with weapons 
of every description, such as stones, bludgeons, and 
sledge-hammers, and then thrown as dead, into one pile, 
outside of the door. A few of the prisoners fortunately 
escaped through the crowd : Mr. Hanson, fainting from 
his repeated wounds, was carried by a gentleman, (of op- 
posite political sentiments,) at the hazard of his own life, 
across the adjoining river, whence he with difficulty 
reached the dwelling of a friend. 

" No effectual inquisition was ever made into this signal 
violation of the peace, nor punishment inflicted on the 
guihy. The leaders, on both sides, underwent trials ; 
but, owing to the inflammation of public feeling, they 
were acquitted."* 



106. General Hull's Surrender. 

Soon after the declaration of war, on the 16th of Au- 
gust, General Hull, the governor of Michigan Territory, 
surrendered his whole army, and the fort at Detroit, with- 
out a single battle, to General Brock. "So entirely un- 

♦ Grimshaw's Hist. U. S. 



212 

prepared was the public for this extraordinary event, that 
no one could have believed it to have taken place, until 
communicated from an official source." Hull had been 
sent at the head of about 2,500 men, to Detroit, with a 
view of putting an end to the Indian hostilities in that 
part of the country. At the time of the surrender of the 
fort, it is said that his force consisted of more than 1000 
men, that of the British of 1300, of whom more than half 
Avere Indians. When the British column had arrived 
within 500 yards of the American lines, General Hull 
ordered his men, Avho were placed in a favourable situa- 
tion to annoy the enemy, to retreat into the fort, and that 
the cannon should not be fired. " Immediately there 
was heard a universal burst of indig-nation." The order, 
however, could not be disobeyed. The men were ordered 
to stack their arms ; a white flag Avas hung out upon 
the Avails, and a communication passed between the two 
generals, Avhich was shortly followed by a capitulation. 
Not only the American force at Detroit, but various de- 
tachments from the fort, the A-olunteers, and all the pro- 
visions at Raisin, the fortified posts and garrisons, and 
the Avholo territory and inhabitants of Michigan, Avere 
deliverijd over to the commanding general of the British 
forces. Two thousand five hundred stand of arms, forty 
barrels J of poAvder, and twenty-five iron and eight brass 
pieces of ordnance, the greater part of Avhich had been 
captured from the British in the reA'olutionary AA^ar, VA-ere 
surrendered Avith them. The American A'olunteers and 
militia were sent home, on condition of not serA'ing again 
during the Avar, unless exchanged. The general, and 
the regular troops were sent to Quebec as prisoners of 
war. . 

Being exchanged. General Hull AA'as prosecuted by 
the gqivernment of the United States, and arraigned be- 
fore ai military tribunal, Avho acquitted him of the charge 
of tre?ison, but sentenced him to death, for coAvardice and 
unofflcerlike conduct. But in consequence of his age 
and revolutionary services, the president remitted the 
punishment of death, but deprived him of all military 
comrriand. 



213 



107. Capture of the Guerriere. 

The Constitution, Captain Hull, had sailed from An- 
napolis on the 5th of July. On the 17th, he was chased 
by a ship of the line and four frigates ; when by an ex- 
ertion of able seamanship, than which, the victory itself, 
though more beneficial, could not be more worthy of ap- 
plause, he escaped from the unequal combat. On the 
19th of August, he had an opportunity of trying his frigate 
against a single vessel of the enemy. This was the 
Guerriere ; one of the best of the same class in the British 
na\y, and in no Avay averse to the rencounter, as she 
promptly awaited her antagonist's arrival. She had, for 
some time, been searching for an American frigate; 
having given a formal challenge to every vessel of the 
same description. At one of her mast heads was a flag, 
on which her name v/as inscribed in conspicuous letters; 
and on another, the words, " Not the Little Bek ;" allud- 
ing to the broadsides Avhich the President had fired into 
that sloop, before the war. The Constitution being ready 
for action, now approached, her crew giving three cheers. 
Both continued manoeuvring for three quarters of an 
hour ; the Guerriere attempted to take a raking position, 
and failing in this, soon afterwards began to pour out her 
broadsides, w-ith a view of crippling her antagonist. 
From the Constitution not a gun had been fired. Already 
had an officer twice come on the quarter-deck, with in- 
formation that several of the men had fallen at the guns. 
Though burning with impatience, the crew silently 
awaited the orders of their commander. The long ex- 
pected moment at length arrived. The vessel being 
brought exactly to the designed position, directions were 
given to fire broadside after broadside in quick succession. 
Never was any scene more dreadful. For fifteen mi- 
nutes, the lightning of the Constitution's guns is a con- 
tinual blaze, and their thunder roars without intermission. 
The enemy's mizzen mast lies over her side, and she 
stands exposed to a fire that sweeps her decks. She 
becomes unmanageable ; her hull is shattered, her sails 



214 

and rigging cut to pieces. Her mainmast and foremast 
fall overboard, taking with them every spar except the 
bowsprit. The firing now ceased, and the Guerriere sur- 
rendered. Her loss was fifteen killed, and sixty-three 
wounded ; the Constitution had seven men killed, and 
seven wounded. The Guerriere was so much damaged, 
as to render it impossible to bring her into port ; she 
was, therefore, on the following day, blown up. The 
Constitution received so little injury, that she was in a 
few hours ready for another action.* 



108. Battle at Quecnstow/i. 

Early in the morning of the 13th October, 1812, a 
detachment of about 1000 men, from the army of the 
Centre, crossed the river Niagara, and attacked the 
British on Queenstown heights. This detachment, under 
the command of Colonel Solomon Van Rens?selaer, suc- 
ceeded in dislodging the enemy ; but not being re-enforced 
by the militia from the American side, as was expected, 
they were ultimately repulsed, and obliged to surrender. 
The British General, Brock, was killed during the en- 
gagement. 

The forces designed to storm the heights, were divided 
into two columns ; one of 300 militia, under Colonel 
Van Rensselaer, the other, 300 regulars, under Colonel 
Christie. These were to be follov^'ed bj^ Colonel Fen- 
wick's artillery, and then the other troops in order. 

Much embarrassment was experienced by the boats, 
from the eddies, as well as by the shot of the enemv, in 
crossing the river. Colonel Van Rensselaer led the van, 
and landed first with 100 men. Scarcely had he leaped 
from the boat, when he received four severe Avounds. 
Being, however, able to stand, he ordered his officers to 
move with rapidity and storm the fort. This service 
was gallantly performed, and the enemy were driven 
down the hill in every direction. 

♦ Grimshaw. 



215 

Both parties were now re-enforced ; the Americans by 
regulars and militia, the British by the 49th regiment, 
consisting of 600 regulars, under General Brock. Upon 
this the conflict was renewed, in which General Brock, 
and his aid. Captain M'Donald, fell almost in the same 
moment. After a desperate engagement, the enemy 
were repulsed, and the victory was thought complete. 

Colonel Van Rensselaer now crossed over, for the 
purpose of fortifying the heights, preparatory to another 
attack, should the enemy be re-enforced. This duty he 
assigned to Lieutenant Totten, an able engineer. 

But the fortune of the day was not yet decided. At 
3 o'clock in the afternoon, the enemy, being re-enforced 
by several hundred Chippewa Indians, rallied, and again 
advanced, but were a third time repulsed. At this mo- 
ment, General Van Rensselaer, perceiving the militia 
on the opposite side embarking but slowly, hastily re- 
crossed the river, to accelerate their movements. But 
what was his chagrin, on reaching the American side, 
to hear more than 1200 men (militia) positively refuse 
to embark. The sight of the engagement had cooled 
that ardour, which, previously to the attack, the com- 
mander-in-chief could scarcely restrain. While their 
countrymen were nobly struggling for victory, they 
could remain idle spectators of the scene. All that a 
brave, resolute, and benevolent commander could do. 
General Van Rensselaer did — he urged, entreated, com- 
manded, but it was all in vain. Eight hundred British 
soldiers, from Fort George, now hove in sight, and 
pressed on to renew the attack. The Americans, for a 
time, continued to struggle against this force, but were 
finally obliged to surrender themselves prisoners of Avar. 

The number of American troops killed, amoui>ted to 
about 60, and about 100 were wounded. Those who 
surrendered themselves prisoners of war, including the 
wounded, were about 700. The loss of the British is 
unknown, but must have been severe.* 

♦ Goodrich. 



216 



109. Massacre at Fori Mimms. 

In 1812, Tecumseh, the celebrated Shawnee chief and 

British ally, appeared among the Indians of the south, 
and by his arts of persuasion, induced a large majority 
of the Creek nation, and a considerable portion of the 
other tribes, to take up arms against the United States. 
Being supplied with implements of war from the British, 
through the channel of the Floridas, they accordingly 
commenced hostilities. 

" Alarm and consternation prevailed among the white 
inhabitants ; those of Tensaw district, a considerable 
settlement of the Alabama, fled for safety to Fort Mimms, 
on that river, sixteen miles above Fort Stoddard. The 
place was garrisoned by one hundred and fifty volunteers, 
of the Mississippi territory, under Major Beasly. The 
inhabitants collected at the fort amounted to about three 
hundred. 

" At eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the 30th of 
August, a body of Indians, to the amount of six or seven 
hvmdred warriors, issued from the adjoining wood, and 
approached the fort ; they advanced within a few rods of 
it before the alarm was given. As the sentinel cried 
out, " Indians," they immediately gave a war-whoop, 
and rushed in at the gate, before the garrison had time 
to shut it. This decided their fate. Major Beasly was 
mortally Avounded at the commencement of the assault ; 
he ordered his men to secure the ammunition, and re- 
treat into the house ; he was himself carried into the 
kitchen, and afterwards consumed in the flames. 

"The fort was originally square, but Major Beabdy 
had enlarged it by extending the lines upon two sides 
about fifty feet, and putting up a new side, into which the 
gate was removed ; the old line of pickets were standing, 
and the Indians, on rushing in at the gate, obtained pos- 
.session of the outer part, and through the port-holes of 
the old line of pickets, fired on the people who held the 
interior. On the opposite side of the fort was an offset, 
or bastion, made round the back gate, which, being open 



217 

on the outside, was occupied by tlie Indians, who, with 
the axes that lay scattered about, cut down the gate. The 
people in tlie fort kept possession of the port-holes on 
the other lines, and fired on the Indians who remained 
on the outside. Some of the Indians ascended the block 
house at one of the corners, and fired on the garrison 
below, but were soon dislodged ; they succeeded how- 
ever, in setting fire to a house near the pickets, which 
communicated to the kitchen, and from thence to the 
main dwelling-house. When the people in the fort saw 
the Indians in full possession of the outer court, the gate 
open, men fast falling, and their houses in flames, they 
gave up all for lost, and a scene of the most distressing 
horror ensued. The women and children sought refuge 
in the upper story of the dwelling-house, and were con- 
sumed in the flames, the Indians dancing and yelling 
round them with the most savage delight. Those who 
were without the buildings, were murdered and scalped 
without distinction of age or sex ; seventeen only escaped. 
The battle and massacre lasted from eleven in the fore- 
noon until six in the afternoon, by which time the work 
of destruction was fully completed, the fort and buildings 
entirely demolished, and upwards of four hundred men, 
women, and children, massacred."* 



110. Capture of York, U. C. 

" On the 23d of April, Gen. Dearborn embarked at 
Sackett's Harbour, with sixteen hundred men, on an ex- 
pedition against York, at the head of the lake, leaving 
the defence of the harbour, with all the stores, public 
property, and a new ship on the stocks, to a handful of 
regulars, under Colonel Backus, and the neighbouring 
militia, not then arrived. It seemed to have escaped the 
observation of the commanding general, that the enemy 
would probably, in his absence, strike at an important 
post thus left uncovered. On the 27th, General Dear- 

♦ Perkin's Late War. 
19 



218 

born, with tlie fleet, arrived before the to'.vn of York, 
and immediately commenced a disembarkation. The 
commanding general intrusted the further prosecution of 
the expedition to General Pike, and remained on board 
the fleet. To oppose their landing, a corps of British 
grenadiers, the Glengary foncibles, and several bodies of 
Indians, appeared at different points on the shore. At 
eight o'clock the troops commenced their landing, three , 
miles westward of the town, and a mile and a half dis- 
tant from the British works. The place first designed 
for their landing, was a cleared field near the site of the 
old French fort Tarento ; but the wind was high, and 
prevented the first division from landing at that place, 
and also prevented the ships from covering their disem- 
barkation. The riflemen, under Major Forsythe, first 
landed, under a heavy fire from the enemy. Major Ge- 
neral Sheafle had collected his whole force, consisting of 
about seven or eight hundred regulars and militia, with 
a hundred Indians, to oppose their landing, and com- 
manded in person. Major Forsythe, although supported 
by the troops as promptly as possible, was obliged to sus- 
tain alone a sharp conflict with the whole British force, 
for nearly half an hour. As soon as General Pike had 
effected his landing, with about eight hundred men, the 
British retreated to their works. The main body of the 
Americans landed and formed at old fort Tarento, and 
quickly advanced through a thick wood to an open 
ground near the British works. The first battery was 
carried by assault, and the columns moved on towards the 
main works : when the head of the column had arrived 
within about sixty rods, a tremendous explosion took 
place, from a magazine prepared for that purpose, and 
killed and wounded one hundred men. General Pike 
was mortally wounded by a stone which was thrown up 
by the explosion, and struck him on the breast. He was 
immediately conveyed on board the commodore's ship, 
and soon expired. After the confusion which these 
events necessarily occasioned, the American troops pro- 
ceeded to the town, and agreed to a capitulation with the 
commanding officers of the Canadian militia, by which 



219 

it was stipulated, that all the public property should be 
delivered to the Americans, the militia surrendered pri- 
soners of war, and private property protected. Immedi- 
ately after the explosion, Gen. Sheaffe, with the regulars, 
retreated out of the reach of the American arms. Two 
hundred and fifty militia, and fifty marines and regulars, 
were included in the capitulation. The American loss 
was fourteen killed in battle, and fifty » wo by the explo- 
sion ; twenty-three wounded in buttle, and one hundred 
and eight by the e.vplosion. One large vessel on the 
stocks, and a quantity of naval stores, were set fire to by 
the British, and consumed; but more naval stores were 
taken by the Americans than could be carried away. 
The public buildings for military use, and the military 
stores which could not be removed, were destroyed. 
York was the seat of government for Upper Canada, 
and the principal depot for the Niagara frontier, and De- 
troit. General Sheaffe's baggage and papers were taken. 
In the 'government hall, a human scalp was found sus- 
pended over the speaker's chair, with the mace and other 
emblems of power. This building was burned, contrary 
to the orders of the American general."* 



111. Battle on Lake Erie. 

The American fleet consisted of nine vessels, carrying 
fifty-four guns, commanded by Commodore Perry, a 
young officer. The British fleet, of six vessels and six- 
ty-three guns, under Commodore Barclay, an old and 
experienced officer, who had served under Nelson. The 
line of battle was formed at 11 o'clock, September 10, 
1813. At fifteen minutes before twelve, the enemy's 
flag-ship, " Queen Charlotte," opened a furious fire upon 
the " Lawrence," the flag-ship of Commodore Perry. 
The wind being liirht, the rest of the squadron were una- 
ble to come to his assistance, and he was compelled for 
two hours to sustain the fire of two of the enemy's ships, 
* Perliins. 



220 

each of equal force. By this time the Lawrence had 
become unmanageable, every gun was dismounted, and 
her crew, except four or five, were all killed or wounded. 
In this desperate condition, Commodore Perry, with 
great presence of mind, formed the bold design to shift 
his flag, and leaping into an open boat, waving his 
sword, he passed unhurt through a shower of balls, to 
the Niagara, of r.venty guns. At this critical moment 
the wind increased, and Perry bore down upon the ene- 
my, passing the " Detroit," " Queen Charlotte," and 
" Lady Provost," on one side, and the " Chippewa" and 
" Little Belt" on the other, into each of which, while 
passing, he poured a broadside. He then engaged the 
" Lady Provost," which received so heavy a fire that the 
men ran below. The remainder of the American squad- 
ron, one after another, now came up. After a contest of 
three hours, the American fleet gained a complete victo- 
ry, and captured every vessel of the enemy. Commo- 
dore Perry announced this victory in the following la- 
conic style: — " We have met the enemy, and they are 
ours!" 

The Americans lost in this action twenty-seven killed 
and ninety-six wounded. The British had about two 
hundred killed and Avounded — the Americans took six 
hundred prisoners, which exceeded the whole number of 
Americans enca^red in the action. 



112. Deaf h of Tecvviseh. 

On the 5th of October, a battle was fought between the 
American army under Gen. Harrison, and the British 
under Gen. Proctor, in which the British Avere defeated, 
and Detroit fell into the hands of the Americans. 

The British were assisted by a body of 1200 or 1.500 
Indian warriors, led on by Tecumseh, a celebrated Indian 
chieftain. Upon the left, the onset was begun by Te- 
cumseh, with great fury. He was opposed by Col. John- 
son, of Kentucky. The Indians seemed determined to 



221 

conquer or die. The terrible voice of Tecumseh was 
heard encouraging his warriors ; although beset on every 
side, they fought with determined courage. Col. John- 
son now rushed towards the spot, where the savage war- 
riors were gathering around their undaunted chieftain. In 
a moment a hundred rifles were aimed at the American, 
the balls pierced his dress and accoutrements, and him- 
self and his horse received a number of Avounds. At the 
instant his horse was about to fall under him, he Avas dis- 
covered by Tecumseh; having discharged his rifle, he 
sprang forward with his tomahawk ; but, struck with the 
appearance of the brave man before him, he hesitated for 
a moment, and that moment was his last. Ccl. Johnson 
levelled a pistol at his breast, and they both, almost at the 
same instant, fell to the ground. Col. Johnson's men now 
rushed forward to his rescue, and the Indians, hearing no 
longer the voice of their chief, soon fled. 

" Thus fell Tecumseh, and with him fell the last hope 
of our Indian enemies." Since the 3'ear 1790, he had been 
in almost every engagement with the whites ; he was a 
determined enemy to the attempts to civilize the Indians, 
and had for years endeavoured to unite the tribes in oppo- 
sing the progress of the settlements of the whites, any 
farther to the westward. On the opening of the last war 
he visited many tribes, and by his uncommon eloquence 
and address, roused his countrymen to arms against the 
United States. " Tecumseh had received the stamp of 
greatness from the hand of nature, and had his lot been 
cast in a different state of society, he would have shone as 
one of the most distinguished of men. He was endowed 
with a powerful mind, and with the soul of a hero. There 
was an uncommon dignity in his countenance and man- 
ners, and by the former he could be easily distinguished. 
even after death, among the slain, for he wore no insignia 
of distinction." 
19* 



222 



113. Barbarities of the British at Hampton, Va., in 1813. 

The troops under Sir Sidney Beckvvith, and the sailors 
under Admiral Cockburn, no sooner found themselves in 
possession of the town of Hampton, than they indulged in 
a system of pillage not less indiscriminate than that 
which had attended the visit of most of the same men 
to Havre de Grace. To these acts of cruelty and op- 
pression upon the unresisting and innocent inhabitants, 
they added others of the most atrocious and lawless na- 
ture, the occurrence of which has been proved by the 
solemn affirmation of the most respectable people of that 
country. Age, innocence, nor sex, could protect the in- 
habitants whose inability to escape obliged them to 
throw themselves upon the mercy of the conquerors. 
The persons of the women were indiscriminately viola- 
ted. The brutal desires of an abandoned and profligate 
soldiery, were gratified, within the view of those who 
alone possessed the power and authority to restrain them ; 
and many of the unfortunate females, who had extricated 
themselves from one party, Avere pursued, overtaken, and 
possessed by another. Wives torn from the sides of their 
wounded husbands; mothers and daughters stripped of 
their clothing in the presence of each other ; and, those 
who had fled to the river side, and as a last refuge had 
plunged into the water, with their infant children in their 
arms, were driven again at the point of the bayonet, 
upon the shore, where neither their own entreaties and 
exertions, nor the cries of their offspring, could restrain 
the remorseless cruelty of the insatiable enemy, who 
paraded the victim of his lust through the public streets 
of that town. An old man, whose infirmities had drawn 
him to the very brink of the grave, was murdered in the 
arms of his wife, c^most as infirm as himself, and her re- 
monstrance was followed by the discharge of a pistol into 
her breast. The wounded militia who had crawled from 
the field of battle to the military hospital, were treated with 
no kind of tenderness, even by the enemy's officers, and 
the common wants of nature were rigorously denied to 



223 

them. To these transcendent enormities, were added the 
wanton and profligate destruction not only of the medical 
stores, but of the physician's drug rooms and laboratories ; 
from which only those who had been wounded in battle, 
and those upon Avhose persons these outrages had been 
committed, could obtain that assistance, without which, 
they must inevitably suffer the severest privations. Two 
days and nights were thus consumed by the British sol- 
diers, sailors, and marines ; and, their separate command- 
ers, were all that time quartered in the only house the 
furniture of which escaped destruction. On the morning 
of the 27th, at sunrise, apprehensions being entertained 
of an attack from the neighbouring militia, whom, it was 
reasonably conjectured, the recital of these transactions 
would arouse into immediate action, the British forces 
were ordered to embark ; and in the course of that morn- 
ing, they departed from the devoted town, which will im- 
memorially testify to the unprovoked and unrelentingcru- 
elty of the British troops. They had previously carried 
off the ordnance which had been employed in the defence 
of the town, as trophies of their victory ; but, when they 
determined on withdrawing from the place, they moved 
away with such precipitation, that several hundred weight 
of provisions, a quantity of muskets and ammunition, 
and some of their men, were left behind, and captured on 
the following day by Captain Cooper's Cavalry. Having 
abandoned their intentions of proceeding to another at- 
tempt on the defences of Norfolk, the whole fleet stood 
down to a position at New-Point Comfort, where they 
proposed watering, previously to their departure from the 
bay, on an expedition against a town in one of the eastern 
States. 

Such was the agitation of the public mind throughout 
Virginia, which succeeded the circulation of the account 
of the assault on Hampton, that representations were 
made to General Robert R. Taylor, the commandant of 
the district, of the necessity of learning from the com- 
manders of the British fleet and army, whether the out- 
rage would be avowed, or the perpetrators punished. — 
That able oiiicer immediately despatched his aid to Admi- 



2-24 

lal Warren, with a cartel for the exchang-e of prisoners, 
and a protest against the proceedings of the British troops, 
in which .he stated, that "the world would suppose those 
acts to have heen approved, if not excited, which should 
be passed over with impunity ;" that he " thought it no 
less due to his own personal honour, than to that of his 
country, to repress and punish every excess;" that '"it 
would depend on him (Warren) whether the evils inse- 
parable from a state of war, should, in future operations, 
be tempered by the mildness of civilized life, or, under the 
admiral's authority, be aggravated by all the fiendlike 
•passions which could be instilled into them." To this 
protest. Admiral Warren replied, that he would refer it to 
Sir Sidney Beckwith, to whose discretion he submitted 
the necessity of an answer. Sir Sidney not only freely 
avowed, but justified, the commission of the excesses 
complained of; and induced the American commander 
to believe the report of deserters, that a promise had 
been made to the fleet, of individual bounty, of the plun- 
der of the town, and of permission to commit the same 
acts, if they succeeded in the capture of Norfolk. Sir 
Sidney stated, that " the excesses at Hampton, of which 
General Taylor complained, loere occasioned by a pro- 
ceeding at Crany Island. That at the recent attack on 
that place, the troops, in a barge which had been sunk 
by the fire of the American guns, had been fired on by a 
party of Americans, who waded out and shot these poor 
fellows, Avhile clinging to the wreck of the boat ; and 
that with a. feeling natural to such a proceeding, the men 
of thoA corps landed at Hmnpton^' The British gene- 
ral expressed also a wish that such scenes should not oc- 
cur again, and that the subject might be entirely at rest. 
The American general, however, alive to the reputation 
of the arms of his country, refused to let it rest, and im- 
mediately instituted a court of inquiry, composed of old 
and unprejudiced officers. The result of a long and 
careful investigation, which was forwarded to Sir Sidney 
Beckwith, was, that none of the enemy had been fired 
on, after the wreck of the barge, except a soldier, who 
had aUempted to escape to that division of the British 



troops which had lauded, that he was not killed, and that 
so far from shooting cither of those unfortunate men, the 
American troops had waded out to their assistance. To 
this report Sir Sidney never deemed it necessary to reply, 
and the outrages at Hampton are still unatoned. Many 
of the imhappy victims died, of wounds and bruises, 
inflicted on Them in their struggles to escape, which baf- 
fled the medical skill of the surrounding country.* 



114. Battle of Niagara. 

On the 25th of July, 1814, Gen. Scott arrived at the 
Niagara cataract, and learned that the British were in 
force directly in his front, separated only by a narrow 
piece of wood. Having despatched this intelligence to 
General Brown, he advanced upon the enemy, and the 
action commenced at six o'clock in the afternoon. Al- 
though General Ripley, with the second brigade. Major 
Hendman, -with a corps of artiller}-, and General Porter, 
with the volunteers, pressed forward with ardour ; it was 
an hour before they could be brought up to his support ; 
— during this time his brigade alone sustained the con- 
flict. General Scott had pressed through the Avood, and 
engaged the British on the Queenston road, with the 9th, 
1 1th, and 12th regiments, the 25th having been throAvn 
on the right. The fresh troops under General Ripley, 
hanng arrived, now advanced to relieve General Scott, 
whose exhausted brigade formed a reserve in the rear. 
The British artillery had taken post on a commanding 
eminence, at the head of Lundy's Lane, supported by a 
line of infantry, out of reach of the American batteries. 
This was the key of the whole position ; from hence 
they poured a most deadly fire on the American ranks. 
It became necessary either to leave the ground, or to 
carry this post and seize the height. The latter despe- 
rate task was assigned to Colonel Miller. On receiving 
the order from General Brown, he calmly surveyed the 
♦ Thompson's Late War. 



22G 

position, and answered, " I will try, sir /" which expres- 
sion was afterwards the motto of his regiment. The first 
regiment, under the command of Colonel Nicholas, were 
ordered to menace the British infantry, and support 
Colonel Miller in the attack. This corps, after a dis- 
charge or two, gave Avay, and left him without support. 
Without regarding this occurrence. Colonel Miller ad- 
vanced coolly and steadily to his object, amid a tremen- 
dous fire, and at the point of the bayonet, carried the ar- 
tillery and the height. The guns were immediately 
turned upon the enemy : General Ripley now brought 
up the 23d regiment to the support of Colonel Miller ; 
and the first regiment was rallied and brought into line, 
and the British were driven from the hill. At this time. 
Major Jessup, with the 25th regiment, was engaged in a 
most obstinate conflict, with all the British that remained 
on the field. He had succeeded in turning the British 
left flank. Captain Kctchum, with a detachment of this 
regiment, succeeded in gaining the rear of the British 
lines at the point where Generals Drummond and Riall, 
with their suites, had taken their stations, and made them 
all prisoners. The British officers, mistaking this de- 
tachment for a company of their own men, were ordering 
them to press on to the combat, when Capt. Ketchum 
stepped forward, and coolly observed, that he had the ho- 
nour to command at that time, and immediately con- 
ducted the officers and their suites, into the rear of the 
American lines ; General Drummond, in the confusion 
of the scene, made his escape. The British rallied under 
the hill, and made a desperate attempt to regain their ar- 
tillery, and drive the Americans from their position, but 
without success ; a second and third attempt was made 
with the like result. Gen. Scott was engaged in repel- 
ling these attacks, and though with his shoulder frac- 
tured, and a severe wound in the side, continued at the 
head of his column, endeavouring to turn the enemy's 
right flank. The volunteers under Gen. Porter, during 
the last charge of the British, precipitated themselves 
upon the lines, broke them, and took a large number of, 
prisoners. General Brown, during the whole action. 



227 

was at the most exposed points, directing and animating 
his troops. He received a severe wound on the thigh, 
and in the side, and would have given the command to 
Gen. Scott, but on inquiring, found that he was severely- 
wounded. He continued at the head of his troops until 
the last effort of the British was repulsed, when loss of 
blood obliged him to retire ; he then consigned the com- 
mand to Gen. Ripley. At twelve o'clock, both parties 
retired from the field to their respective encampments, fa- 
tigued and satiated with slaughter. The battle continued, 
with little intermission, from six in the afternoon until 
twelve at night. After Col. Miller had taken the bat- 
tery, and driven the British from the heights, and Gen. 
Riall and suite had been taken, there was a short cessa- 
tion, and the enemy appeared to be about yielding the 
ground, when re-enforcements arrived to their aid, and the 
battle was renewed with redoubled fury for another space 
of two hours ; much of this time the combatants were 
within a few yards of each other, and several times offi- 
cers were found commanding the enemy's platoons. 
Capt. Spencer, aid to Gen. Brown, was despatched with 
orders to one of the regiments ; w hen about to deliver 
them, he suddenly found himself in contact with a Bri- 
tish corps ; with great coolness and a firm air, he in- 
quired, what regiment is this? On being answered, the 
Royal Scots, he immediately replied, " Royal Scots, re- 
main as you are !'' The commandant of the corps, sup- 
posing the orders came from his commanding general, 
immediately halted his regiment, and Capt. Spencer rode 
off Col. Miller's achievement, in storming the battery, 
was of the most brilliant and hazardous nature; it was 
decisive of the events of the battle, and entitled him and 
his corps to the highest applause ; most of the officers 
engaged in that enterprise were killed or wounded. The 
battle was fought to the west of, and within half a mile 
of the Niagara cataract. The thunder of the cannon, 
the roaring of the falls, the incessant discharge of mus- 
ketry, the groans of the dying and wounded, during the 
six hours in which the parties were engaged in close 
combat, heightened by the circumstance of its being night, 



• 228 

afforded such a scene, as is rarely to be met with in the 
history of human slaughter. The evening was calm, 
and the moon shone with lustre, when not enveloped in 
clouds of smoke from the firing of the contending armies. 
Considering the numbers engaged, few contests have ever 
been more sanguinary.* 

This was one of the most severe and bloody battles 
which was fought daring the war. The British force 
engaged, amounted to .5,U00 men: many of their troops 
were selected from the liower of Lord Wellington's 
army. The American force consisted of 4,000 men. 
The loss of Americans in killed, wounded, and missing, 
was 860 men ; that of the British was 878 men. 



115. Burning of Washingto/i City. 

In August, 1814, a body of about 6,000 British troops, 
eommanded by Gen. Ross, landed at Benedict, on the Pa- 
tuxent, 47 miles from Washington; on the 21st of Au- 
gust, he marched to Nottingham. He met with little 
opposition on his march, until within about six miles of 
Washington, at Bladensburgh. Here Gen. Winder, with 
the American forces, composed mostly of militia, hastily 
collected, opposed them. The Americans, however, fled 
at the beginning of the contest. Com. Barney, with 
about 400 men, made a brave resistance ; but the enemy, 
superior in numbers, compelled him to surrender. 

Leaving Bladensburgh, Gen. Ross went to Washing- 
ton, where he arrived in the evening of the 23d of Au- 
gust, about 8 o'clock, with 700 men, having left the main 
body about a mile and a half from the capital, f There ' 
being neither civil nor military authorities to whom any 

* Perkins' late War. 

t According to the account of the British officer, who was in this 
expedition, the sole object of the disenibavkation was the destruction 
of the American flotilla. When that rtotilla retreated to Nottingham, 
Admiral Coekburn urged the necessity of a pursuit, and finally pre- 
vailed on CJeii. Ross to proceed on to attack ^Vashinston. When he 
arrived near llie city, (icn. Ross sent in a lag of truce, with terms. 
Scarcely had the party with the flag entered the city, when they were 



220 

proposition could be made, the work of conflagration 
commenced. The capitol, the President's house, the 
offices of the treasury, war, and navy departments, and 
their furniture, with several private buildings, were de- 
stroyed. The party sent to burn the president's house, 
entered it, and found in readiness the entertainment which 
had been ordered for the American officers. In the di- 
ning hall the table was spread for forty guests, the side- 
board furnished with the richest liquors, and in the 
kitchen the dishes all prepared. These uninvited guests 
devoured the feast with little ceremony, ungnitefuUy set 
fire to the building where they had been so liberally fed, 
and returned to their comrades. — One house from which 
Gen. Ross apprehended himself to have been shot at, was 
burned, and all the people found in it slain. The most 
important public papers had been previously removed. 
The navy yard, with its contents, and apparatus, one fri- 
gate of the largest class on the stocks, and nearly ready 
to launch, and several smaller vessels, were destroyed by 
Commodore Tingey, under the direction of the secretary 
of the navy, after the capture of the city. 

The loss to the United States, as estimated by a com- 
mittee of the senate, was, in the capitol and other public 

buildings, $400,000 

At the navy yard, in moveable property, - 417,745 
In buildings and fixtures, - - - 91,425 



8060,170 

To this estimate is to be added the loss of the public 

library, furniture, and other articles not included in the 

foregoing ; making the whole public loss somewhat to 

exceed a million of dollars 

The British, having accomplished the object of their 

fired upon from the windows of one of the houses. Two corporals of 
tlu'Slst, and the horse oftlietjcnfral himself, who accompanied them, 
were killed. This outrage roused ihe in<iignation of every individual 
of tho army. All ihons^his of acconimodniion were instantly laid 
aside; the troops advanced forthwith into the city, and having first 
put to the sword all who were found in the house from whence the 
shots were tired, and reduced it to ashes, they proceeded without de- 
lay to burn and destroy every thing in the most distant degree con- 
nected with the goviTnmeni. 
20 



230 

visit, left the city on the 25th, and passed through Bhi- 
densburgh at midnight, on the route to Benedict. They 
left their dead unburied ; sujch of their wounded as could 
ride were placed on horseback ; others in carts and wa- 
gons, and upwards of ninety left behind. The wounded 
British prisoners were intrusted to the humanity of Com- \ 
jnodore Barney, who provided every thing for their com- \ 
fort ; and such as recovered, were exchanged, and re- 
turned to the British. Two hundred pieces of artillery 
at the arsenal and nav}- yard fell into their hands, whicli 
they were unable to remove: these they spiked, knocked 
off the trunions, and left. Tlieir retreat, though unmo- 
lested, was precipitate, and conducted under evident ap- 
prehensions of an attack. They reached Benedict on the 
•20th, and embarked on the 30th.* 

Their whole loss during this expedition was 400 in 
killed and wounded, besides five hundred more, who were 
made prisoners or deserted. 



11 G. Battle of Piatt sburgh. • 

About the 1st of Sept. 1814, Sir George Provost, Go- 1 
vernor General of Canada, with 14,000 men. entered the j 
village of Champlain, and issued addresses and procla- 1 
mations inviting the citizens to his standard, and promi- j 
sing them the protection of his majesty's government. ■ 
From Champlain he continued to make gradual ap- t 
jiroaches towards Plattsburg, until the Gth. Early on , 
the morning of that day, he made a rapid advance in two f 
columns, one coming down the Beclcmantown road, and ? 
the other along the Lake road. At a brida"e crossing Dead j 
creek, intersecting the latter. General Miicomb had sta- 1 
tioned a detachment of 200 men, under Captain Spi-oul t 
of the 13th, to abbattis the woods, !ind to place obstruc- i 
tions in the road ; after which he was to fortify himself I 
with two field pieces, sent Avith him for that purpose, and 
to receive orders from Lieutenant Colonel Appling, who,, 
* Perkin's Late War. 



231 

with 100 riflemen, Avas reconnoitring the enemy's move- 
ments, some distance in advance of this position. The 
brigade of General Brisbane, which approached through 
the Beckmantown road, with more rapidity than the 
other, was met by about 700 militia, under Gen. Mooers, 
who. after a slight skirmish with the enemy's light 
parties, with the exce'jtion of one or two companies, fled 
in the greatest disorder. Those Avho were intrepid 
enough toremain, were immediatclj^ formed with a corps 
of 250 regulars, under Major Wool, of the 29th, and. 
disputed the passage of the road for some time. But their 
fears also getting at length the better of their judgment, 
notwithstanding the enemy fired only from his flankers 
and patrolling parties, they followed the example of their 
comrades, and precipitately retired to the village. Major 
Wool's regulars remained firm however, and being joined 
by Captain L. Leonard's party of flying artillcrj'-, and the 
6th, and a detachment of the 34th regiment, continued to 
. annoy the advanced parties of the British column, and 
killed Lieutenant Colonel Wellington, of the 3d, or buffs, 
who was at its head. General Macomb, at this moment, 
personally directing the movements in the towii,^ soon 
saw that the enemy's object, in making so much more ra- 
pid a march on its west than on the north, was to cut off' 
Lieutenant Colonel Appling's and Captain Sproul's de- 
tachments, despatched his aid. Lieutenant Root, with or- 
ders to those officers to withdraw their forces from Dead 
creek, to join the detachment of Major Wool, and to fall 
upon the enemy's right flank. Whilst Lieutenant Colo- 
nel Appling was proceeding in obedience to this order, 
he was encountered on the north side of the town, by the 
light divisions of the enemy's 1st brigade, sent for the pur- 
I pose of cutting him off' and which had that moment 
' ent-erged from tlie woods. Their numbers were superior, 
; and had he been delayed an instant longer on the Lake 
' road, he must inevatably have yielded. Here he engaged, 
I but after a short contest retired before them. In the cen- 
' tre of the town he re-engaged them, and being joined 
by ]Majr)r AVool, was ordered to retire to the American 
I works on the south of the Saranac. 



232 

The retreat was eflccted in good order, and covered 
by a guard of 120 men, under Captain M'Glossin, of the 
15th infantry; the detachment alternately retreating and 
keeping up a brisk and effectual fire upon the British co- 
lumns. Having reached the works with a trifling loss, 
General Macomb ordered Lieutenant Harrison, of the 
13th, under the direction of Major Wool, and protected 
by Captain Leonard's artillery, to destroy the bridge over 
the Saranac. 

This order was not executed without some difficuhy 
The British having occupied the houses near the bridge, 
with their light troops, kept up a constant fire from the 
windows, and wounded Lieuts. Harrison and Turner, of 
the 13th, and Taylor of the 34th. These troops were, how- 
ever, soon after dislodged by a discharge of hot shot from 
the American works, and in conjunction with the right 
column, were engaged the remainder of the day in various 
atteiDpts to drive the guards from the several bridges. But 
the planks had all been taken up, and being placed in the 
form of beastworks, served to cover the American light par- 
ties stationed for the defence of the passages. The obstruc- 
tions which had been thrown in the way of the column ad- 
vancing by the Lake road, and by the destruction of the 
bridge over Dead creek, greatly impeded its approaches, 
and, in attempting to ford the creek, it received a severe and 
destructive fire from the gun-boats, and galleys anchor- 
ed in front of the town. But not all the galleys, aided 
by the armament of the whole flotilla, which then lay 
opposite Plattsburgh, under Commodore Macdonough, 
could have prevented the capture of Macomb's army, af- 
ter its passage of the Saranac, had Sir George Provost 
pushed his whole force upon the margin of that stream. 
Like General Drummond, at Erie, he made a pause, in 
full view of the unfinished works of the Americans, and 
consumed five days in erecting batteries, and throwing up 
breastworks, for the protection of approaches. Of this 
interval the American general did not fail to avail himself, 
and kept his troops constantly employed in finishing his 
line of redoubts. Whilst both parties were thus enga- 
ged in providing for the protection of their forces, the main 



233 

body of the British army came up with the advance : and 
General IViacomb was also re-enforred by the militia of 
New York, and tlie volunteors from the mountains of 
Vermont. Skirmishes between light detachments, sallies 
from the different works, and frequent attempts to restore 
the bridges, served to amuse the besiegers and the besieg- 
ed, while the former were getting up a train of battering 
cannon, and the latter strengthening their lines, and pre- 
paring to repel the attack. 

On the morning of the 1 1th, the motives of the British 
general, in delaying his assault upon the American works, 
became apparent. Being assured of his ability, at any 
time, to destroy them by a single effort, he was regard- 
less of the manner in which they might be gradually 
strengthened, and awaited the arrival of the British squad- 
ron from Lake Champlain, in co-operation with which 
he contemplated a general attack, and the easy capture of 
the American fleet and army. On that day his fleet, con- 
sisting of a large frigate, the Confiance, of 39 guns ; the 
brig Linnet, of IG ; the sloops Chub and Finch, (former- 
ly the United States' sloops Growler and Eagle,) of 1 1 
guns each ; and 13 gun-boats and row-galleys, mounting 
in all 95 guns, and having a complement of 1,050 men, 
made its appearance, under Captain DoAvnie, round Cum- 
berland Head, and immediately engaged the American 
squadron, under Commodore Macdonougli, then moored in 
Plattsburgh bay, and consisting of the ship Saratoga, the 
brig Eagle, the schooner Ticonderoga, the sloop Pre- 
ble and 10 gun boats mounting altogether 86 guns, (the 
largest vessels carrying 26,) and being manned with 820 
men. The first gun from the Confiance was the signal for 
a general action, and Sir George Provost instantly opened 
his batteries upon the works on the opposite bank of the 
Saranac. A tremendous cannonade ensued ; bomb shells 
and Congrevc rockets were thrown into the American 
lines during the whole day ; and frequent but ineffectual 
attempts made to ford the river. 

At a bridge about a mile up the river, an attempt to 
throw over a division of the enemy's army, was hand- 
somely repulsed by a detachment of regulars ; and an ef- 



234 

fort to force the passage of the bridge in the town, was 
effectually checked by a party of riflemen, under Captain 
Grosvenor. 

But the principal slaughter took place at a ford three 
miles from the works. There the enemy succeeded in 
crossing over three companies of the 76th regiment, be- 
fore his advance was impeded. A body of volunteers 
and militia stationed in a contiguous wood, opened a 
heavy fire upon them, and after a spirited contest, in which 
one of these companies was entirely destroyed, its captain 
killed, and three lieutenants and 27 men made prisoners, 
those who had attained the shore fell back in disorder 
upon an approaching column, then in the middle of the 
river. The receding and advancing columns mingled with 
each other, and being closely pressed by the volunteers, 
the whole body was thrown into a state of confusion, 
from which the officers could not recover them ; numbers 
were killed in the stream, and the dead and wounded be- 
ing swept along by the force of the current, sunk into j 
one common grave. | 

But the result of the engagement between the two na- j 
val armaments, which continued upwards of two hours, j 
in presence of the contending armies, soon determined r 
the action upon land. iLs effects were sensibly felt by the i 
British general, whose plans were completely frustrated j 
by its issue. After getting round Cumberland Head, ; 
Captain Downie anchored his fleet witliin 300 yards of ' 
the line formed by Commodore Macdonough, placing , 
the Confumce frigate in opposition to the Saratoga, the j 
Linnet to the Eagle, Captain Henley ; one of his sloops 
and all his galleys, to the schooner Ticonderoga, Lieule- » 
nant-commandant Cassm, and the sloop Preble. His ^ 
other sloop, alternately assailing the Saratoga and Eagle. | 
The latter vessel was so situated, shortly after the com- f 
mencementof the action, that her guns could not be brought •! 
to bear, and Captain Henley cut her cable, and placed her ' 
between the commodore's ship and the Ticonderoga, from | 
which situation, though she exposed the Saratoga to a { 
galling fire, she annoyed the enemy's squadron with much 
effect. Some minutes after ten o'clock, nearly all the 



235 

guns on the starboard side of the Saratoga being either 
dismounted or entirely unmanageable, Commodore Mac- 
donough was obliged to put out a stern anchor, and to 
cut the bower cable, by which means the Saratoga wind- 
ed on the enemy's frigate with a fresh broadside, which 
being promptly delivered, the Con fiance immediately 
after surrendered, with 105 round shot in her hull, and 
her captain and 49 men killed, and 60 wounded. 

The Saratoga had 55 round shot in her hull, and had 
been twice set on fire by hot shot from the Confiance, but 
she sustained a loss of only 28 in killed and 29 wounded, 
notwithstanding she mounted 13 guns less than her anta- 
gonist. The Confiance had no sooner surrendered, than 
the Saratoga's broadside was sprung to bear on the brig, 
whose flag struck fifteen minutes after. Captain Henley, 
in the Eagle, had already captured one of the enemy's 
sloops ; and the Ticonderoga, after having sustained a 
galling fire, caused the surrender of the remaining vessel. 
The principal vessels of the British fleet being now all 
captured, and three of their row galleys sunk, the remain- 
ing ten escaped from the bay in a shattered condition. 
The total loss of Commodore Macdonough's squadron, 
amounted to 52 men killed, and 58 wounded. The ene- 
my's loss was, 84 men killed, 110 wounded, and 856 pri- 
soners, who alone amounted to a greater number than 
those by whom they were taken. The capture of his 
fleet being announced to Sir George Provost, he imme- 
diately, witlidrew his forces from the assault of the Ame- 
rican works. From his batteries, however, he kept up a 
constant fire until the dusk of the evening, when, being 
silenced by the guns of fort Monroe, under Colonel M. 
Smith, and of forts Brown and Scott, he retired within 
the town, and at 9 at night sent off his artillery, and all 
the baggage for which he could obtain transport. About 
midnight he made a disgraceful and precipitated retreat, 
leaving behind him all his sick and wounded, with a re- 
quest that they might be generously treated by General 
Macomb.* 

* Thompson's His. Sketches of the Late War. 



236 



117. Hartford Convention. 

During the second war with Great Britain, the peo- 
ple of the United States were divided into two political 
parties ; one condemning- the war as unwise and unne- 
cessary, the other contending that it was just, and neces- 
sary for the maintenance of national honour. The op- 
position to the war was the greatest in the New England 
states, and during its continuance this opposition was 
confirmed. Enlistments of troops were in some instan- 
ces discouraged, and dissensions arose between the gene- 
ral and state governments, respecting the command of 
the militia, called out by order of the former, to defend 
the sea-board. In October, 1814, the legislature of Mas- 
sachusetts appointed delegates to meet and confer with 
the delegates from the other states of New England, or 
any of them, upon the subjects of their public grievances 
and concerns. The delegates met at Hartford, Conn., 
Dec. ,15, 1815, and sat nearly three weeks with closed 
doors. This convention consisted of delegates from the 
states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island ; 
two members from New Hampshire, and one from Ver- 
mont ; these last were appointed at county meetings. 
After their adjournment, the convention published an ad- 
dress, charging the national government with pursuing 
measures hostile to the interests of New England, and 
recommending amendments to the federal constitution. 

"These alterations consisted of seven article.^ ; first, 
that representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned 
to the number of free persons ; secondh/, that no new 
state shall be admitted into the Union without the con- 
currence of two thirds of both houses : third///, tliat con- 
gress shall not have power to lay an embargo for more 
than sixty days ; fourthhj, that congress shall not inter- 
dict commercial intercourse, without the concurrence of 
two thirds of both houses ; fifthly, that war shall not be 
declared without the concurrence of a similar majority; 
sixthly, that no person who shall be hereafter natural- 
ized, shall be eligible as a member of the senate or house 



237 

of representatives, or hold any civil office under the au- 
thority of the United States; and, sevcnlhly, that no per- 
son shall be elected twice to the presidency, nor the 
president be elected from the same state two terms in 
succession. 

"The report of the convention concluded with a reso- 
lution, providing' for the calling of another convention, 
should the United States ' refuse their consent to some 
arrangement whereby the New England states, sepa- 
rately, or in concert, might be empowered to assume 
upon themselves the defence of their territory against 
the enemy,' appropriating a reasonable proportion of the 
public taxes for this purpose ; or 'should peace not be con- 
cluded, and the defence of the New England states be neg- 
lected as it has been since the commencement of the war.'"* 

The committee appointed to communicate these resolu- 
tions to congress, met at Washington the news of peace: 
and owing to this event another convention was not called. 
The proposed amendments of the constitution were sub- 
mitted to the several states, and rejected by all except Mas- 
sachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. 



118. Gen. Jackson^ s Victory at New Orleans. 

In the month of December, 1814, fifteen thousand 
British troops, under Sir Edward Packenham, were 
landed for the attack of New Orleans. The defence of 
this place was intrusted to Gen. Andrew Jackson, whose 
force was about 6000 men, chiefly raw militia. Several 
slight skirmishes occurred before the enemy arrived be- 
fore the city: during this time, Gen. Jackson was em- 
ployed in making preparation for his defence. His front 
was a straight line of 1000 yards, defended by upwards 
of three thousand infantry and artillerists. The ditch 
contained five feet of water, and his front, from having 
been flooded by opening the levees, and by frequent 
rains, was rendered slippery and muddy. Eight dis- 
tinct batteries were judiciously disposed, mounting in all 
» Goodrich. 



238 

12 guns of different calibres. On the opposite side of 
the river was a stronjT battery of 15 gmvs. 

"At daylight, on the morning of the 8th of January, 
the main body of the British, under their commander-in- 
chief, General Packenham, were seen advancing from 
their encampment to storm the American lines. On the 
preceding evening they had erected a batterj'- within 
eight hundred yards, which now opened a brisk fire to 
protect their advance. The British came on in two co- 
lumns, the left along the levee on the bank of the river, 
directed against the American right, while their right 
advanced to the swamp, with a view to turn General 
Jackson's left. The country being a perfect level, and 
the view unobstructed, their m.arch was observed from 
its commencement. They were suffered to approach in 
silence, and unmolested, until within three hundred yards 
of the lines. This period of suspense and expectation 
was employed by General Jackson and his officers, in 
stationing every man at his post, and arranging every 
thing for the decisive event. When the British columns 
had advanced within three hundred yards of the lines, 
the whole artillery at once opened upon them a most 
deadly lire. Forty pieces of cannon, deeply charged 
with grape, canister, and musket balls, mowed them 
down by hundreds, at the same time the batteries on the 
v.'est bank opened their lire, while the riflemen, in per- 
fect security behind their works, as the British advanced, 
took deliberate aim, and nearly every shot took effect. 
Through this destructive fire, the British left column, 
under the immediate orders of the commander-in-chief, 
rushed on with their fascines and scaling ladders, to the 
advance bastion on the American right, and succeeded 
in mounting the parapet ; here, after a close conflict with 
the bayonet, they succeeded in obtaining possession of 
the bastion ; when the battery, planted in the rear for its 
protection, opened its fire, and drove the British from the 
ground. On the American left, the British attempted to 
pass the swamp, and gain the rear, but the works had 
been extended as far into the swamp as the ground 
would permit. Some who attempted it, sunk in the mire 



239 

and disappeared ; those behind, seeing the fate of their 
companions, seasonably retn-ated, and gained the hard 
ground. The assauk continued an hour and a quarter; 
during the whole time, the British were exj osed to the 
deliberate and destructive fire of the American artillery 
and musketry, which lay in perfect security behind their 
breastworks of cotton bales, Avhich no balls could pene- 
trate. At eight o'clock, the British columns drew off 
in confusion, and retreated behind their works. Flushed 
with success, the militia were eager to pursue the Bri- 
tish troops to th(i>r intrenchments, and drive them im- 
mediately from the island. A less prudent and accom- 
plished general might have been induced to yield to 
the indiscreet ardour of his troops ; but General Jack- 
son understood too well the nature of his own and 
his enemy's force, to hazard such an attempt. Defeat 
must inevitably have attended an assault made by raw 
militia, upon an intrenched camp of British regulars. 
The defence of New Orleans was the object; nothing 
was to be hazarded which would jeopardize the city. 
The British were suffered to retire behind their works 
without molestation. The result was such as might 
have been expected from the difibrent positions of the 
two armies. General Packenham, near the crest of the 
glacis, received a ball in his knee. Still continumg to 
lead on his men, another shot pierced his body, and he 
was carried off the tield. Nearly at this time. Major 
General Gibbs, the second in command, within a few 
yards of the lines, received a mortal wound, and was 
removed. Tlie third in command. Major General Keane. 
at the head of his troops r>ear the glacis, was severely 
woundi'd. The three commanding generals, on mar- 
shalling their troops at five o'clock in the morning, pro- 
mised them a plentiful dinner in New Orleans, and gave 
them booty and bcavhj as the parole and countersign of 
the day.* Before eight o'clock, the three generals were 
carried off the field, two in the agonies of death, and 

♦The giving of this counter-sifrn lias heen denied by Gon. Lambert, 
and four other superior olficurs of tht; Uritish army, \\ ho were en- 
gaged in this expedition, in a published communK-ation signed by 
thtm, and sent to this country during the present year, (1833.) 



240 

the third entirely disabled ; leaving upwards of 2000 of 
their men dead, dying, and wounded, on the field of bat- 
tle. Colonel Raynor, who commanded the forlorn hope 
which stormed the American bastion on the right, as he 
was leading his men up, had the calf of his leg carried 
away by a cannon shot. Disabled as he was, he was 
the iirst to mount the parapet, and receive the American 
bayonet ; 700 were killed on the field, 1400 hundred 
wounded, and 500 made prisoners, making a total on 
that day of twenty-six hundred. But six Americans 
were killed, and seven wounded.''* •• 

On the 9th, General Lambert and Admiral Cochrane, 
with the surviving officers of the army, held a council of 
war, and determined to abandon the expedition. To 
withdraw the troops in the face of a victorious enemy, 
would have been difficult and hazardous. To withdraw- 
in safety, every appearance of a renewal of the assault 
was kept up, till the night of the 18th, when the whole 
army moved off in one body, over a road which had 
been previously constructed through a miry slough, in 
which a number of the troops perished by sinking into 
the mire. On the 27th, the whole land and naval forces 
which remained of this disastrous expedition, found 
themselves on board of their ships, with their ranks thin- 
ned, their chiefs and many of their companions slain, 
their bodies emaciated by hunger, fatiofue, and sickness. 



1 19. Bank of ike United States. 

The Bank of the United States was established by an 
act of congress of April 10th, 1816, and continues to 
March 3d, 1836. Its stock consists of three hundred 
.and fifty thousand shares, of one hundred dollars each, 
constituting a capital of thirty-five millions of dollars. 
Seventy thousand shares, or seven millions of the stock, 
was taken by the United States, and the remaining two 
hundred and eighty thousand shares, amounting to twen- 
ty-ei^ht millions of dollars, by individuals, companies, 
* Perkins. 



241 

vScc. Of this twenty-eiijht millions of dollars, seven was 
required by the charter to be paid in gold or silver coin, 
and twenty-one millions in gold or silver coin, or funded 
debt of the United States. The property of the bank, inclu- 
ding its whole capital, is not to exceed in value fifty-five 
millions of dollars. 

The bank is located in Philadelphia, governed by 
twenty-five directors, chosen annually; five of whom, be- 
ing stockholders, are appointed by the president of the 
United States, by and with the advice and consent of the 
senate ; and twenty are annually elected at the banking- 
house, in Philadelphia, by the qualified stockholders of 
the capital, (other than the United States,) on the first 
Monday of January. No person can be a director in 
tlie bank of the United States at the same time that he is 
a director in any other bank. At the first meeting after 
their election, the directors choose a president. The pre- 
sident is selected from the directors. 

The number of votes to which stockholders are entitled, 
are, for one share and not more than two, one vote; for 
every two shares above two, and not exceeding ten, one 
vote: for every four shares above ten, and not exceeding 
thirty, one vote ; for every six shares above thirty, and 
not exceeding sixty, one vote; and for every ten shares 
above one hundred, one vote : but no person, co-partner- 
ship, or body politic, is entitled to more than thirty votes. 
No share or shares confer the right of voting, that shall 
not have been held three calendar months previous to the 
duv of election. No stockholders, but those actually re- 
sident within the United States, can vote by proxy. 

By the act of March od, 1819, it is provided that any 
person ofTering more than thirty votes, including those 
otfered in his own right, and those offered by him as at- 
torney, &c., the judges of the election are required to ad- 
minister an onth to the person so offering more than thirty 
votes, to the following effect: " That he has no interest, 
directly or indirectly, in the shares upon which he offers 
to vote as an attorney; and that the shares are, to the 
best of his knowledge and belief, truly, and in good faith, 
owned by the persons in whose name they stand at that 
21 



242 

time." No person is allowed to vote as proxy, &c. with- 
out a power, witnessed with an oath, endorsed and filed 
in the bank, that the giver of the proxy is the real 
and only owner of the shares specified in the power of 
attorney; that he owns no other shares; that no other 
person has any interest in the said shares ; and that no 
other power, now in force, has been given to any other 
person to vote at any election of directors of the said bank. 
Judges of elections permitting any person to give more 
tiian thirty votes at one election, without taking the oatli 
prescribed by law, are subject to a fine not exceeding two 
thousand dollars, or to imprisonment not exceeding one 
year ; and persons swearing falsely, are liable to the 
pains and penalties for the punishment of wilful and 
corrupt perjurjr. 

Persons giving money, or any thing as a bribe, to pro- 
cure the interest, &c., of the president or any director of the 
bank, or the president or director receiving such bribe, are 
for ever disqualified from holding any office of honour, 
trust, or profit, under the corporation, or under the United 
^>tates. 

Not more than three fourths of the directors elected by 
the stockholders, nor more than four fifths of those ap- 
])ointed by the United States, shall serve two successive 
years ; no director shall hold his office more than three 
vears out of four in succession ; but the director who is 
President may serve without limitation. 

None but a stockholder, resident citizen of the United 
States, shall be a director, nor shall be entitled to any 
emolument. 

Seven directors m.ay constitute a board, of whom the 
president shall always be one, imless unavoidably pre- 
vented, in which case his place may- be supplied by any 
other director whom he, by writing under his hand, may 
depute for that purpose. 

A number of stockholders not less than sixty, if pro- 
prietors of one thousand shares, have power to call a 
general meeting of the stockholders, giving ten weeks 
notice in two newspapers of the place where the bank is 
seated, and specifying the object of the meeting. 



243 

The cashier is required to give bond, with two or more 
sureties, in a sum not less than fifty thousand dollars, as a 
security for the faithful performance of his duties. 

The lands, &c., lawful for the bank to hold, are only for 
its immediate accommodation in business, or mortgaged to 
it as security or satisfaction for debts previously contract- 
ed, or purchased at sales upon judgments for such debts. 

The total amount of debts, of every description, which 
the bank .shall at any time owe, must not exceed thirty- 
five millions of dollars, unless authorized by law to ex- 
ceed that amount. In case of excess, the directors under 
whose administration it takes place, are liable in their 
private capacities. This provision, however, does not 
exempt the property of the bank from being also liable. 
Directors who may dissent, or be absent, when such ex- 
cess is created, on giving notice thereof to the president 
of the United States, and to the stockholders, are exone- 
rated from such liability. 

The bank is prohibited from dealing or trading in any 
thing, except bills of exchange, gold and silver bullioii, 
or sales of goods pledged for money lent by the bank. It 
cannot become the purchaser of any public debt, nor take 
more than six per centum per annum for or upon its loans 
or discounts. 

The bank cannot loan more than five hundred thou- 
sand dollars to the United States ; or to any particular 
State an amount exceeding fifty thousand dollars ; or to 
any foreign Prince or State, unless previously authorized 
by a law of the United States. 

The stock is assignable and transferable, according to 
rules established by the bank. 

Bills obligatory and of credit, under the seal of the 
bank, made to any person, are assignable by the endorse- 
ment of such person. But the bank is prohibited from 
making any bill obligatory, &,c., under its seal, for a less 
sum than five thousand dollars. All bills issued by order 
of the bank, and signed by the president and cashier, are 
binding as if made by private persons. All bills or notes 
so issued, are payable on demand, except such as are for 
the payment of a sum nof less than one hundred dollars, 



244 

which may be made payable to order, at any time not 
exceeding' sixty days from date. 

Half-yearly dividends of the profits may be made. 
And once in three years the directors must lay before the 
stockholders an exact and particular statement of the 
situation of the bank. 

The directors of the bank are authorized to establish 
offices of discount and deposit wheresoever they shall 
think fit, within the United States or the territories thereof 
Or, instead of establishing; such offices, it is lawful for 
the directors to employ any other bank or banks, to be 
first approved by the secretary of the treasury of the 
United States, to transact business other than discounting. 
Not more than thirteen, nor less than seven directors of 
every office of discount and deposit, shall be annually 
appointed by the directors of the bank, to serve for one 
year ; each shall be a citizen of the United States, and a 
resident of the State or Territory where the office is es- 
tablished ; not more than three foiirths of those in office 
shall be appointed for the next succeeding year : and no 
director can hold his office more than three years out of 
four in succession ; but the president may be always re- 
appointed. 

The secretary of the treasury of the United States 
must be furnished, as often as he may require, not exceed- 
ing once a w-eek, w^ith full statements of the concerns of 
the bank, and he has a right to examine such of the 
books of the bank as relate to said statement. 

No stockholder, luiless he be a citizen of the United 
States, has a vote in the choice of directors. 

No note can be issued of less amount than five 
dollars. 

If the bank, or any person on its account, shall deal 
or trade in any respect contrary to its charter, every per- 
son concerned as agent or party therein, shall forfeit tre- 
ble the value of the goods, &c., in which such dealing 
shall have been ; one half thereof to the informer, the 
other to the United States ; to be recovered in an action 
of law w-iih costs of suit. 

The bills or notes of the bank are receivable in all 



245 

payments to the United States, until otherwise directed' 
by act of congress. 

The banks nmst, whenever required by the secretary 
of the treasury, give the necessary facilities for transfer- 
ring the public funds from place to place, within the Uni- 
ted States, for the payment of public creditors, without 
charging commissions ; and also perform the duties of 
commissioners of loans. 

The deposites of moneys of the United States, in places 
in which the bank or its branches are established, must 
be made in the bank or its branches, unless the secretary 
of the treasury shall otherwise direct ; in which case he 
must immediately lay before congress, if in session, and 
if not, immediately after the commencement of the next 
session, the reason of such dii'ection. 

The bank is prohibited from suspending payments in 
specie. In case of suspension, the holder of any bill, 
&c., can recover the amount thereof, and until it is paid, 
is entitled to interest at the rate of twelve per centum per 
annum. 

Foro;ing, counterfeiting, &c., the notes, &c., of the 
bank, is felony, and punishable by imprisonment and 
hard labour, or imprisonment and fine. 

If any person shall engrave, or have in his possession, 
any metallic plate, similar to the plates from which the 
notes, &c., of the bank are printed, or shall cause or sufier 
the same to be xised, &c., he shall, upon conviction, be sen- 
tenced to imprisonment at hard labour not exceeding five 
years, or imprisoned not exceeding five years, and fined in 
a sum not exceeding one thousand dollars. 

No other bank shall be chartered by congress during 
the continuance of the charter of the bank of the United 
States, except within the district of Columbia. And the 
corporation of the bank shall exist for two years after the 
expiration of its charter, for the close of its concerns. 

Committees of either houses of congress have power 
to inspect the books of the bank, and to examine into its 
proceedings, &c., and wh»mever there is reason to believe 
the charter has been violated, a scire facias may be 
sued out of the circuit court for the district of Pennsyl- 
21* 



246 

vania, in the name of the United States, and the bank 
compelled to show cause why the charter should not bo 
declared forfeited ; and it is lawful for the said court to 
examine into the truth of the alleged violation, and if 
such violation be made to appear, then to pronounce 
the charter forfeited. The final judgment of the court 
aforesaid is examinable in the supreme court of the Uni- 
ted States.* 



120. Piracies in the West Indies. 

The American commerce had for several years suffer- 
ed severely, in consequence of the depredations committed 
by pirates. The West Indian seas were infested with 
these marauders, and transactions of the most flagrant 
and outrageous character had become frequent.^ Great 
quantities of property were seized by them, and their 
captives were often murdered in the most inhuman man- 
ner. They respected no law, and the flag of no nation. 
An event occurred in 1822, which excited general atten- 
tion, and showed that the evil had become so alarming" as 
to call loudly for the ■strong arm of government to inter- 
pose for the protection of its citizens. The Alliga- 
tor, United States schooner, was about entering the 
harbour of Matanzas, when information was received 
that two American vessels, which the pirates had just 
captured, were lying a short distance from that place. 
The Alligator was immediately ordered to their relief 
An engagement with the pirates ensued, in which the 
Americans Avere victorious. They recaptured five Ame- 
rican vessels which were in possession of the pirates, 
and took one piratical schooner. But Allen, the brave 
commander of the Alligator, was wounded in the en- 
gagement, and died in a few hours. His death excited 
much feeling throughout the United States. 

The pirates made the island of Cuba their general 
rendezvous, and they carried their depredations to such 
an extent, that it was extremely dangerous for vessels to 
♦Force's National Calendar, 1623. 



247 

enter or leave the port of Havana. Congress at length 
passed a law appropriating a sum of money to fit out an 
expedition for the suppression of piracy. Commodore 
Porter, to whom was given the command of this expedi- 
tion, sailed for the West Indies, and after touching at 
Porto Rico, arrived at Matanzas, with a squadron consist- 
ing of a steam frigate, eight schooners, and five barges. 
No captures were made by this squadron, as the pirates 
had obtained knowledge of their movements ; but the 
object of their going out was accomplished in the pro- 
tection aflbrded to commerce. The American squadron 
remained near the islands, and afforded convoys to mer- 
chant vessels ; and in consequence of this protection of 
the sea, the pirates were compelled to remain upon the 
islands, where they committed depredations upon the in- 
habitants. But one vessel was taken from the Americans 
during this time, and that was recaptured by Commodore 
Porter.* 



121. Conspiracy/ of the Blacks at Charleston, S. C. 
in 1822. 

The following account of an intended insurrection of 
the slaves in Charleston, S. C. and its most timely dis- 
covery, is extracted from a pamphlet published by the 
authority of the corporation of Charleston in 1822. 

" On "Thursday, the 30th of May last^ about 3 o'clock 
in the afternoon, the Intendant of Charleston was in- 
formed by a gentleman of great respectability, (who, 
that morning, had returned from the country) that a 
favourite and confidential slave of his had communi- 
cated to him, on his arrival in town, a conversation 
which had taken place at the market ou the Saturday 
preceding, between himself and a black man ; which 
afforded strong reasons for believing that a revolt and 
insurrection were in contemplation among a proportion 
at least of our black population. The corporation was 
forthwith summoned to meet at 5 o'clock, for the purpose 
* Willard's Hist. U. States. 



248 

of hearing the narrative of the slave who had given this 
information to his master, to which meeting the attend- 
ance of his excellency the Governor was solicited ; with 
which invitation he promptly complied. Between, how- 
ever, the hours of 3 and 5 o'clock, the gentleman who 
had conveyed the information to the Intendant, having \ 
again examined his slave, was induced to believe, that ^ 
the negro fellow who had communicated the intelligence ' 
of the intended revolt to the slave in question, belonged i 
to Messrs. J. & D. Paul, Broad Street, and resided in ' 
their premises. Accordingly, with a promptitude worthy ; 
of all praise, without waiting for the interposition of the , 
civil authority, he applied to the Messrs. Paul, and had | 
the whole of their male servants committed to the guard , 
house, until the individual who had accosted the slave of ■] 
this gentleman, on the occasion previously mentioned, j 
could be identified from among them. j 

" On the assembling of the Corporation at five, the i 
slave of this gentleman was brought before them, having j 
previously identified Mr. Paul's William as the man 
who had accosted him in the market ; he then related the 
following circumstances : | 

'• On Saturday afternoon last, (my master being out of I 
town,) I went to market ; after finishing my business, ; 
I strolled down the wharf below the fish market, from j 
which I observed a small vessel in the stream with- a j 
singular flag ; whilst looking at this object, a black man J 
(Mr. Paul's VVilliam) came up tome, and remarking the I 
subject which engaged my attention, said, I have often i 
seen a flag with the number 76 on it, but never with 96 / 
before. After some trifling conversation on this point, 
he remarked with considerable earnestness to me. Do , 
you know that something serious is about to take place ? 
To which I replied, no. Well, said he, there is, and 
many of us are determined to right ourselves ! I asked | 
him to explain himself — when he remarked, why we i 
are determined to shake off' our bondage, and for this i 
purpose we stand on a good foundation, many have i 
joined, and if you will go with me, I will show you the j 
man who has the list of names, who will take youra | 

i 



249 

down. — I was so much astonished and horror struck at 
this information, tliat it was a moment or two belbre I 
could collect myself" sufficiently to tell him I would have 
nothing to do with this business, that I was satisfied with 
mj' condition, that I. was grateful to my master for his 
kindness, and wished no change. — I left him instantly, 
lest, if this fellow afterwards got into trouble, and I had 
been seen conversing with him, in so public a place, I 
might be .suspected and thrown into difficulty. — I did 
not, however, remain easy under the burden of such a 
secret, and consequently determined to consult a free man 
of colour, named , and to ask his advice. On con- 
ferring with this friend, he urged me with great earnest- 
ness to communicate what had passed betAveen Mr. Paul's 
man and myself to my master, and not to lose a moment 
in so doing. I took his advice, and not waiting, even 
for the return of my master to town, I mentioned it to 
my mistress and young master. — On the arrival of my 
master, he examined me as to what had passed, and I 
stated to him what I have mentioned to yourselves. 

"William, the man aforementioned, was then examin- 
ed ; — after much equivocation, he admitted all these facts. 
The Council being under the conviction that he was in 
the possession of more information than he had thought 
proper to disclose, kept him confined. 

" Things remained in this state for six or seven days, 
until about the 8th of June, when William, who had been 
a week in solitary confinement, beginning to fear that he 
would soon be led forth to the scaffold, for summary 
execution, in an interview with Mr. Napier, (one of the 
committee appointed to examine him,) confessed, that he 
had for some time known of the plot, that it was very 
extensive, embracing an indiscriminate massacre of the 
whites, and that the blacks were to be headed by an in- 
dividual, who carried about with him a charm which 
rendered him invulnerable. He stated, that the period 
fixed for the rising, was on the second Sunday in June. 
This information was without delay conveyed to his ex- 
cellcncv the Governor, and a Council forthwith convened. 
Whatever faith wc might have been disposed to place in 



250 

the unsupported and equivocal testimony of William, it 
was not conceived to be a case in which our doubts 
should influence our efforts for preparation and defence. 
iVleasures were consequently promptly taken, to place 
the city guard in a state of the utmost efficiency. "Six- 
teen hundred rounds of ball cartridges were provided, 
and the sentinels and patroles ordered on duty with loaded 
arms. Such had been our fancied security, that the 
guard had previously gone on duty without muskets, 
with sheathed bayonets and bludgeons. 

" On the night of Friday the 14th, the information of 
William was amply confirmed by a gentleman who 
called on the Intendant, Avho stated that a faithful slave | 
belonging to his family, in whom he had the utmost con- { 
fidence, informed him that a contemplated insurrection 
of the blacks would occur on the succeeding Sunday, 
the 16th, at 12 o'clock at night, which, if not prevented, 
would inevitably take place at that hour. This slave | 
also stated that one of his companions had informed him, | 
that Rolla, belonging to Governor Bennet, had commu- | 
nicated to him the intelligence of the intended insurrec- | 
tion, and had asked him to join. That he remarked, } 
in the event of their rising, they would not be with- j 
out help, as the people from Sau Domingo and Africa 
would assist them in obtaining their liberty, if they 

only made the motion first themselves. That if A 

wished to know more, he had better attend their meet- 
ings, where all would be disclosed. After this, at 

another interview, Rolla informed A , that the 

plan was matured, and that on Sunday night, the 16th 
June, a force would cross from James' Island and land 
on South Bay, march up and seize the Arsenal and 
guard house, that another body at the same time would 
seize the Arsenal on the Neck, and a third would ren- 
dezvous in the vicinity of his master's mills. They 
would then sweep the town with fire and sword, not per- 
mitting a single white soul to escape. 

" The sum of this intelligence was laid before the Go- 
vernor, who convening the officers of the militia, took such 
measures as were deemed the best adapted to the ap- 



251 

pf caching exigency of Sunday night. On the 16th, at 
10 o'clock at night, the military companies, Avhich were 
placed under the command of Col. 11. Y. Hayne, were 
ordered to rendezvous for guard. 

" The conspirators finding the whole to\ATi encom- 
passed at 10 o'clock, by the most vigilant patroles, did 
not dare to show themselves, whatever might have been 
their plans. In the progress of the subsequent investi- 
gation, it was distinctly in proof, that but for these mi- 
litary demonstrations, the eflbrt would unquestionably 
have been made ; that a meeting took place on Sunday 
afternoon, the 16th, at 4 o'clock, of several of the ring- 
leaders, at Denmark Vesey's, for the purpose of making 
tlieir preliminary arrangements, and that early in the 
morning of Sunday, Denmark despatched a courier, to 
order down some country negroes from Goose Creek, 
which courier had endeavoured in vain to get out of town. 

" No development of the plot having been made on Sun- 
day night, and the period having passed, which waft 
fixed on for its explosion, it now became the duty of the 
civil authority to take immediate steps for the apprehen- 
sion, commitment, and trial of those against whom they 
were in possession of information. 

" The number of blacks arrested was one hundred and 
thirty-one; of these thirty-five were executed, fifty-one 
acquitted, the rest were sentenced to be transported. 

"Among those executed, was one free black by the 
name of Denmark Vesey, who was considered the 
leader of the plot. In the revolutionary waj» Captain 
Vesey of Charleston was engaged in supplying the 
French in St. Domingo with slaves from St. Thomas. 
In the year 1781 he purchased Denmark, aboy of about 
14 years of age, and afterwards brought him to Charles- 
ton, where he proved for 20 years a faithful slave. In 
1800, Denmark drew a prize of $1500 in the lottery, and 
purchased his freedom from his master for 600 dollars. 
From that period till the time of his apprehension he 
worked as a carpenter, distinguished for his great 
strength and activity. Among his colour he was 
always looked up to with awe and respect. His temper 



252 

was impetuous and domineering in the extreme, qualify- 
ing him for the despotic rule of which he was ambitious. 
All his passions were ungovernable and savage, and to , 
his numerous wives and children, he displayed the] 
haughty and capricious cruelty of an eastern bashaw." 

Among the most prominent'of the other conspirators, 
was a slave by the name of Gullah Jack. "Born a 
conjuror and a physician, in his own country, (for in 
Angola they are matters of inheritance,) he practised 
these arts in this country for fifteen years, without its 
being generally known among the whites. Vesey, who 
left no engines of power unessayed, seems, in an early, 
stage of his designs, to have turned his eye on this ne- 
cromancer, aware of his influence with his own country- 
men, who are distinguished both for their credulous 
superstition and clannish sympathies. Such was their 
belief in his invulnerability, that his charms and amulets 
were in request,- and he was regarded as a man, who 
could only be harmed by the tre^achery of his fellows. 
Even those negroes who were born in this country seem 
to have spoken of his charmed invincibility with a con- 
fidence which looked much like belief" 

Of the motives of Vesey in forming this conspiracy, 
"the belief is altogether justifiable, that his end would 
have been answered, if, after laying our city in ashes,, 
and moistening its cinders with blood, he could have 
embarked with a part of the pillage of our banks for San 
Domingo; leaving a large proportion of his deluded fol- 
lowers to the exterminating desolation of tliat justice, 
which would have awaited, in the end, a transient suc- 
cess." 

The following is extracted from the testimony of a 
black man on the trial of the conspirators : 

" About the 1st of June, I saw in the public papers a 
statement that the white people were going to buil< 
missionary houses for the blacks, which I carried and 
showed to Peter, and said, see the good they are going 
to do for us; when, he said, — What of that? — Have you 
not heard, that on tiie 4th of July, theiAvhites are going 
to create a false alarm of fire, and every black that comes 



253 

Out will be killed, in order to thin them? Do you think 
they would be so barbarous? (said I) Yes! (said he) 
I do ! — I fear they have a knowledge of an army from 
San Domingo, and they would be right to do it, to pre- 
vent us joining that army, if it should march towards 
this land! I was then very much alarmed. 

" Last Tuesday or Wednesday week, Peter said to me 
— You see, my lad, how the white people have got to 
w'indward.of us? You won't, said I, be able to do any 
thing. O, yes ! (he said) we will ! By George, we are 
obliged to I He said, all down this way ought to meet, 
and have a collection to purchase powder. What, said 
I, is the use of powder ? — the whites can fire three times 
to our once. He said, but Uwill be such a, dead time of 
the night, they toon' t know rohat ix the matter, and our 
horse companies will go about the streets and preve?it the 
whites from assonbling. I asked him — Where will you 
get horses? Why, said he, there are many butcher boys 
with horses ; and there are the livery stables, Avhere we 
have several candidates; and the waiting men, belonging 
to the white people of the horse companies, will be told 
to take a^way their masters' horses. He asked me if my 
master was not a horseman? I said, Yes! Has he not 
got arms in his house? I answered. Yes! Can't they be 
got at? I said. Yes! Then (said he) it is good to have 
them. I as-ked what was the plan? Why, said he, 
after we have taken the arsenals and guard houses, then 
we will set the town on fire, in different places, and as 
the whites come out we will slay them. If we were to 
set fire to the town first, the man in the steeple would 
give the alarm too soon. — I am the Captain, said he, to 
take the lower guard house and arsenal. But, I replied, 
when you are coming up, the sentinel will give the 
alarm. He said, he would advance a little distance 
ahead, and if he could only get a grip at his throat, he 
was a gone man. for his sword was very sharp; he had 
sharpened it, and had ir.ade it so sharp, it had cut his 
finger, which he showed me. As to the arsenal on the 
Neck, he said, that it was gone as sure as fate, Ned 
Bennett would manage that with tjie people from the 
22 



254 ' 

country, and the people between Ilibbens' Ferry and «j 
Santee would land and take the upper guard house. I 
then said, then this thing seems true. My man, said he, 
God has a hand in it, we have been meeting for fouri 
years, and are not yet betrayed. I told him, I was afraid, 
after all, of the white people from the back country and 
A^'irginia, &c. He said that the blacks would collect so 
nunierous from the country, we need not fear the whites 
from the other parts, for when we have once got the city 
we can keep them all out. He asked if I had told my 
boys. I said no. Then, said he, you should do it, for Ned 
Bennett has his people pretty well ranged. But, said 
he, take care and don't mention it to those waiting men 
who receive presents of old coats, &c. from their masters, 
or they'll betray us. I will speak to them. We then 
parted, and I have not since conversed with him. He 
said the rising was to take place last Sunday night, 16th 
June — That any of the coloured people who said a word 
about this matter would be killed by the others. The 
little man, v)ho carCt be killed, shot, or taken, is named 
Jack, a Gullah Negro. Peter said there was a French 
company in town, of three hundred men, fully armed — 
that he was to see Monday Gell, about expediting the 
rising." 



122. Western Antiquities. 

The numerous reniains of ancient fortifications, 
mounds, &c. found in the Western States, are the admi- 
ration of the curious, and a matter of much speculation. 

They are mostly of an oblong form, situated on Avell 
chosen ground, and near the water. 

One of the fortifications or towns at Marietta, Ohio, 
contains forty acres, accompanied by a wall of earth from \ 
six to ten feet high. On each side are three openings \ 
at equal distances, resembling gateways. The works j 
are undoubtedly very ancient, as there does not appear * 
to be any difference in the age or size of the timber \ 
growing on or within the walls, and that which grows 



255 

without ; and the Indians have lost all tradition respect- 
ing them. Dr. Cutler, Avho accurately examined the 
trees on the works at Marietta, thinks from appearances, 
that they are on the second growth, and that the works 
must have been built upwards of one thousand years. 

At a convenient distance from these works, always 
stands a mound of earth, thrown up in the form of a py- 
ramid. Upon examination, some of these mounds are 
found to contain an immense number of human skeletons. 

The ancient works on the western branches of the 
Muskingum river, extend nearly two miles, the ramparts 
of which are now m some places more than eighteen feet 
in perpendicular height. 

In Pompey,* Onondaga County, New York, are 
vestiges of a town, the area of which included more than 
five hundred acres. It was protected by three circular 
or elliptical forts, eight miles distant from each other. 
They formed a triangle which enclosed the town. From 
certain indications, this town seems to have been stormed 
and taken on the line of the north side. 

In Cainillus, in the same county, are the remains of 
two forts, one covering about three acres, on a very high, 
hill. It had one eastern gate, and a communication at 
west, towards a spring about ten rods from the fort. Its 
shape was elliptical. The ditch was deep, and the eastern 
wall ten feet high. 

The other fort is almost half a mile distant, on lower 
ground, constructed like the other, and about half as 
large. Shells of testaceous animals, numerous fragments 
of pottery, pieces of brick, and other signs of an ancient 
settlement, were found by the first European settlers. 

On the east bank of Seneca river, six miles south of 
Cross and Salt lakes, the remains of an ancient Indian 
defence have bten discovered, together with a delineation 
of ill shapen figures, supposed to have been hierogly- 
phical, and engraved as with a chisel, on a flat stone, 
five feet in length, three and a half in breadth, and six 
inches thick : evidently a sepulchral monument. 

The principal fortification was two hundred and twenty 
♦ Yates' and Moulton's History. 



256 

yards in length, and fifty-five yards in breadth. The 
bank and corresponding ditch were remarkably entire; 
as were two apertures, opposite each other in the middle 
of the parallelogram., one opening to the water, and the 
other facing the foresjt. 

About half a mile south of the great work was a large 
half moon, supposed to have been an outwork, but at- 
tended Avith this singularity, that the extremities of the 
crescent were from the larger fort. The banks of the 
ditch, both of this and the first fortress, were covered 
with trees that exhibited extremity of age. 

The flat stone above mentioned was found over a small 
elevation in the great fort. Upon removing it one of the 
visiting party dug up with his cane a piece of earthen 
vessel, which, from the convexity of the fragment, was 
supposed to contain two gallons. It was well burned, of 
a red colour, and had its upper end indented, as with the 
finger, in its impressionable state. 

Eastward, these fortifications have been traced eighteen 
miles from Manlius Square ; and in Oxford, Chenango 
county, on the east bank of Chenango river, are the re- 
mains of another fort, remarkable for its great antiquity. 
Northward, as far as Sandy Creek, about fourteen miles 
from Sacket's Harbour, near which, one covers fifty acres, 
and contains numerous fragments of pottery. 

Westward, they are discovered in great number. There 
is a large one in the town of Onondaga, one in Scipio, 
two near Auburn, three near Canandaigua, and several 
between the Seneca and Cayuga lakes. A number of 
ancient fortifications and burial places have also been dis- ' 
covered in Ridgeway, Genesee county. 

Near the Tonewande creek, at the double fortified 
town,* are some interesting antiquities, described by Dr. > 
Kirkland. They are the remains of two forts. The 
first contained about four acres, and the other, distant 
about two miles, and situated on the other extremity of 
the ancient town, enclosed twice that quantity of ground. 

The ditch around the former was about five or six feet 

* This place is called by the Senecas, Tegataineaaghqut, which 
jDports a double fortified town, or a town with a fort at each end. 



257 

deep. A small stream of water, and a high bank, cir- 
cumscribed nearly one third of the enclosed ground. 
There were traces of six gates or avenues roimd the 
ditch, and near the centre a way Avas dug to the water. 
A considerable number of large thrifty oaks had grown 
up within the enclosed ground, both in and upon the 
ditch ; some of them appeared to be at least two hundred 
years old or more. 

Near the northern fortification, Avhich was situated on 
high ground, were found the remains of a funeral pile, 
probably the burying place of the slain, who had fallen 
in some sanguinary conflict. The earth was raised 
about six feet above the common surface, and betwixt 
twenty and thirty feet in diameter. The bones appeared 
on the whole surface of the raised earth, and stuck out 
in many places on the sides. 

On the south side of Lake Erie, is a series of old for- 
tifications, from Cattaraugus creek to the Pennsylvania 
line, a distance of fifty miles. Some are from two to 
four miles apart, others half a mile only. Some contain 
five acres. The walls, or breastworks, arc of earth, and 
generally on ground where there are appearances of 
creeks having once flowed into the lake, or where there 
was a bay. 

These vestiges of ancient fortified towns are widely 
scattered throughout the extensive territory of the Six 
Nations, and by Indian report, in various other parts. 
There is one on a branch of the Delaware river, which, 
from the size and age of some of the trees, that have 
grown on the banks, and in the ditches, appears to have 
existed nearly one thousand years, and perhaps for a still 
longer period. 

These antiquities afford demonstrative evidence of the 
remote existence of a vast population, settled in towns, 
defended by forts, cultivating agriculture, and more ad- 
vanced in civilization, than the nations which have in- 
habited the same countries since the European dis- 
covery.* 

The most probable conjecture respecting these people 

♦ Eastman's Hist, of N. Y. 

22* 



258 

is, that they were of Tartar origin, and came across fo 
this continent near Beering's Straits, and going south- 
ward, followed the course of the great rivers — finding 
the soil fruitful on the Ohio and Mississippi, resided there 
for a while, till at length, following each other, they i 
established themselves in the warm and fertile vales of ' 
Mexico. 



123. Erie Canal. 

This grand canal, the longest in the world, (if we ex- 
cept the Imperial Canal of China,) was commenced July 
4th, 1817, and completed Oct. 26th, 1825, at the expense 
of about eight millions of dollars. 

This canal is the property of the state of New York, and 
will probably afford a large revenue for public purposes. 

The Erie Canal, extending from Albany to Buffalo, 
is 40 feet wide on the surface, 28 on the bottom, 4 feet 
deep, and 362 miles in length, exclusive of side cuts and 
navigable feeders. The locks, 83 in number, are 15 feet 
wide between the gates, and 90 feet in length, and con- 
structed of the most imperishable stone, laid in water 
cement. The altitude of the water at the termination of 
the canal at Buffalo, is 565 feet above that of the Hudson 
at Albany. The total of ascent and depression overcome 
by means of lockage, throughout the Avhole extent, is 
688 feet. A tow-path is constructed on the bank of the 
canal, which is elevated from 2 to 4 feet above the sur- 
face of the water. 

The course of the Erie Canal, commencing at the Al- 
bany Basin, is along the bank of the Hudson to Water- 
vliet, where it receives a navigable feeder from the 
Mohawk, constituting the communication with the North- 
ern or Chamflain Canal. Thence it proceeds along the 
bank of the Mohawk, and crosses that river above the 
Cahoes Falls, by an aqueduct 1188 feet in length, sup- 
ported by 26 piers. It then continues about 12 miles on 
the north bank, after which it re-crosses the Mohawk, 
four miles below Schenectady, by an aqueduct 748 feet 



259 

in length, 25 feet above the water of the river, and su{> 
ported by 16 piers. Thence it winds along the south 
bank of the river, through Schenectady and Utica, to 
Rome. At Little Falls, the Erie is connected with the 
old canal, by a stone aqueduct across the Mohawk, 170 
feet in length, and supported by 3 arches. The Utica 
level, 69 1-2 miles in length, witliout a single lock, com- 
mences at Frankfort, 9 miles east of Utica, and proceed- 
ing through that village, Whitcstown, Rome, Verona, 
Sullivan, and Manlius, terminates in the town of Salina, 
near the village of Syracuse. During this course, it 
passes the Sauquait, Oriscany, Oneida, Canastota, Chit- 
teningo, and Limestone creeks, by aqueducts of various 
extent. It then proceeds through the village of Syra- 
cuse, and crosses the .Skeneateles outlet, by a stone aque- 
duct, supported by 3 arches ; and the Owasco creek, by 
an aqueduct of 4 arches, to Montezuma ; thence through 
the Cayuga Marshes, the villages of Clyde and Lyons, 
and passing Mud Creek, by a stone aqueduct, 90 feet in 
length, continues through Palmyra, Pittsford, and Ro- 
chester, to Lockport. At Pittsford, it crosses the Iron- 
dequot creek, on a stupendous embankment, 72 feet in 
height. At Rochester it crosses the Genesee river, by a 
stone aqueduct, of superior architecture, 530 feet in 
length. Between Rochester and Lockport, the canal 
passes several deep ravines, by aqueducts and embank- 
ments. At Lockport is an ascent of 60 feet, overcome 
by five double combined locks, to the Mountain Ridge, 
through which the canal passes, by a deep excavation, 
to the Tonewande creek. It tlien enters the creek, and 
continues along its channel to its mouth, where a dam is 
erected 4 1-2 feet in height; and proceeds along the 
shore of the Niagara river and Lake Erie, to its termi- 
nation at Buffalo. 

Connected with the canal, a pier of great length has 
been constructed in the Niagara river, at Black Rock, 
for the purpose of forming a harbour at that place, and 
supplying water for the summit level. The water of 
Lake Erie continues in the canal to Montezuma. Thence 
there is an ascent to the Jordan summit, from which the 



2G0 

canal descends to the level of Syracuse. It then ascends 
to the Utica summit, from which is a continuous descent 
to the Hudson. 

The canal debt, in 1826, amounted to $7,602,000; the 
receipts of tolls on the canal the same year, to §750,000; 
and the revenue from salt, and auction duties, belonging 
to the canal fund, to $420,000. The tolls in 1827, j 
amounted to $859,000. It is estimated, that the reve- ; 
nues arising from tolls and the canal fund, will, besides ; 
paying the interest, extinguish the canal debt in ten 
years, dating from 182G.* 

When the canal Avas completed, October 26, a canal I 
boat from Lake Erie entered the canal, which event was ' 
announced by the firing of cannon placed at suitable dis- 
tances, from Lake Erie to the city of New York, and ; 
thence back again to Lake Erie. ; 

On the 5th of November, when the canal-boat arrived I 
at the city of New York, the day was celebrated byl 
splendid processions, military parades, &c. &c. | 

In the aquatic procession, which accompanied the ca- • 
nal-boat, from New York to Sandy Hook, Avere 22 steam- < 
boats and barges. When they arrived at the Hook, { 
Governor Clinton Avent through the ceremony of unit- j 
ing the AA-aters, by pouring that of Lake Erie into the ' 
Atlantic, 



124. Gen. Lafayette's Visit. 

Gilbert Mottier Lafayette, the Margins de Lafnyette. 
America's early and tried friend, AA-as born on the Gth of 
September, 1757, in the province of AuA-ergne, noAV the 
department of Haute Loire, in France, about 400 miles 
from Paris. 

He sprang from the ancient and illustrious family of 

Mottier, Avhich for seA'eral centuries past has added the 

name of Lafayette. In 1774, at the age of seventeen, 

he Avas married to the Countess Anastasie de Noailles, 

* Eastman's Hist, of N. Y. 



261 

daughter of the Duke de Noailles. The fortune of this 
lady, added to his own, increased his income to about 
40,000 dollars annually; an immense revenue at that 
period. 

The contest between Great Britain and her North 
American colonies, was a subject of much interest to the 
nations of Europe, especially to the French people. The 
Marquis Lafoyette, fired with enthusiastic ardour in the 
cause of liberty, tore himself from an atiectionate family 
and the honours of the court, and, notwithstanding the 
prohibition of the French court, embarked for America 
in January, 1777, and entered the American army as a 
volunteer, without compensation. The American con- 
gress, struck with his magnanimity, gave him the com- 
mission of major-general in the army of the United States. 

His gallant conduct in the battle of Brandywine, (where 
he was wounded,) and at many other places, till the close 
of the war, proved him worthy of the confidence placed 
in him. 

Lafayette likewise gave larga sums for the purpose of 
clothing and arming the American troops. 

After the close of the revolutionary war, Lafayette re- 
turned to France, where he was appointed commander 
of the French armies. During the furious and bloody 
storm of the French revolution, he was obliged to flee, 
and surrender himself to the Austrians, who imprisoned 
him in the castle of Olmutz. 

Having suffered a rigorous imprisonment, for five 
years, he was, through the influence of Buonaparte, (af- 
terwards emperor of France,) released, on the 25th of 
August, 1797. 

After an absence of forty years. General Lafayette, 
determined once more to visit tl»> country of his adop- 
tion. Congress hearing of his determination, oflln-ed a 
public ship for the conveyance of the " Nation's Guest ;" 
but he politely declined their ofltr, and chose a private con- 
veyance. He accordingly, with his son, George Wash- 
ington Lafayette, embarked at Havre, on board the ship 
Cadmus, and arrived at New York, August 16, 1825. 

He was received with enthusiastic demonstrations of 



262 ;! 

joy, by all classes of the American people. From New •; 
York he proceeded by land to Boston, passing through 
New Haven and Providence. From Boston he pro- 
ceeded to Portsmouth, N. H., from whence he returned 
to Boston, and New York, passing through Worcester, 
Hartford, and Middlctown. From New York he went 
up the Hudson, visiting Albany and other places on the 
river. Returning to New York, he proceeded on to Phi- 
ladelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. Here he was 
received by the house of representatives and senate of 
the United States, who voted him two hundred thousand 
dollars and a township of land for the important services 
rendered by him during the revolutionary war. 

General Lafayette commenced his tour from Wash- 
ington, through the southern and western states, and re- 
turned to Albany by the way of Buffalo and the grand 
canal. From Albany he proceeded through Springfield 
to Boston, where he arrived on the 16th of June, and 
was received by the legislature of Massachusetts, then 
in session. On the 17th he was present at the ceremony 
of laying the foundation stone of the Bunker Hill mon- 
ument. He then visited the states of New Hampshire, 
Maine, and Vermont, and returned to New York to par- 
ticipate in the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of 
American independence. 

He took his final leave of New York, July 14th, visit- 
ed the ex-presidents in Virginia, and soon after embarked 
for France, on board the frigate Brandywine, followed 
with the grateful benedictions of the American people. 



125. Insurrection and Massacre in Southampton 

County, Va. 

In August, 1831, a body of sixty or seventy slaves in 
Southampton County, Virginia, rose upon the white in- j 
habitants, and massacred fifty-five men, women, and 
children. 

The leader of this insurrection and massacre was a 



263 

slave by the name of Nat Turner, about thirty-one years 
of age, born the slave of Mr. Benjamin Turner, of South- 
ampton County. From a child, Nat appears to have 
been the victim of superstition and fanaticism. He 
stinuilated his comrades to join him in the massacre, by 
declaring to them that he had been commissioned by 
Jesus Christ, and that he was actmg undei inspired di- 
rection in what he was going to accomplish. 

In the confession which he voluntarily made to Mr. 
Grey, while in prison, he says, " that in his childhood 
a circumstance occurred which made, an indelible im- 
pression on his mind, and laid the ground work of the 
enthusiasm which terminated so ftrtally to many. Being 
at play with other children, when' three or four years 
old, I told them something, which my mother overhear- 
ing, said it happened before I was born — I stuck to my 
story, liowever, and related some things which went, in 
her opinion, to confirm it ; others being called on were 
greatly astonished, knowing these things had happened, 
and caused them to sav in my hearing, I surely would 
be a prophet, as the Lord had showed me things which 
happened before my birth." His parents strengthened 
him in this belief, and said in his presence, that he was 
intended for some great purpose, which they had always 
thought from certain nit;rks on his head and breast. 
Nat, as he grew up, was full}- persuaded he was destined 
to accomplish some great purpose ; his powers of mind 
appeared much superior to his fellow slaves; they looked 
up to him as a person guided by divine inspiration, which 
belief he ever inculcated by his austerity of life and 
manners. 

After a variety of revelations from the spiritual world, 
Nat says, in his confession, that, "on the 12th of May, 
1828, I heard a loud noise in the heavens, and the Spirit 
instantly appeared tome and said the serpent wns loosened, 
and Christ had laid down the yoke he had borne for the 
sins of men, and that I should take it on and fight against 
the serpent, for the time was fast approaching when the 
first should be last and the last should be first — and by 
sifjns in tlie heavens that it would make known to me 



264 

when I should commence the great work — and until the 
first sign appeared, I should conceal it from the know- 
ledge of men. — And on the appearance of the sign, (the 
eclipse of the sun last February, 1831,) I should arise and 
prepare myself, and slay my enemies with their own wea- 
pons. And immediately on the sign appearing in the 
heavens, the seal was removed from my lips, and I com- 
municated the great work laid out for me to do, to four 
in whom I had the greatest confidence, (Henry, Hark, 
Nelson, and Sam.) — It was intended by us to have begun 
the work of death on the 4th July last. — Many were the 
plans formed and rejected by us, and it affected my mind 
to such a degree, that I fell sick, and the time passed 
without our coming to any determination how to com- 
mence — still forming new schemes and rejecting them, 
when the sign appeared again, which determined me 
not to wait longer." 

Nat commenced the massacre by the murder of his 
master and family. He says, " Since the commencement 
of 1830, I had been living with Mr. Joseph Travis, who 
was to me a kind master, and placed the greatest confi- 
dence in me. In fact, I had no cause to complain of his 
treatment to me. On Saturday evening, the 20th of 
August, it was agreed between Henry, Hark, and myself, 
to prepare a dinner the next day for the men we expected, 
and then to concert a plan, as we had not yet determined 
on any. Hark, on the following morning, brought a pig, 
and Henry, brandy: and being joined by Sam, Nelson, 
Will, and Jack, they prepared in the woods a dinner, 
where about three o'clock I joined them. I saluted them 
on coming up, and asked Will how came he there; he 
answered, his life was worth no more than others, and 
his liberty as dear to him. I asked him if he thought to 
obtain it? He said he would, or lose his life. This was 
enough to put him in full confidence. Jack, I knew, 
was only a tool in the hands of Hark; it was quickly 
agreed we should commence at home (Mr. J. Travis') on 
that night, and until we had armed and equipped our- 
selves, and gathered sufficient force, neither age nor sex 
was to be spared, (which was invariably adhered to.) 



265 

We remained at the feast, until about two hours in the 
night, when we went to the hbuse and found Austin ; 
they all went to the cider press and drank, except myself 
On returning to the house, Hark went to the door with an 
axe, for the purpose of breaking it open, as we knew we 
were strong enough to murder the family, if they were 
awaked by the noise ; but reflecting that it might create 
an alarm in the neighbourhood, we determined to enter 
the house secretly, and murder them whilst sleeping. 
Hark got a ladder and set it against the chimney, on 
which I ascended, and hoisting a window, entered and 
came down stairs, unbarred the door, and removed the 
gims from their places. It was then observed that I must 
spill the filst blood. On which, armed with a hatchet, 
and accompanied by AVill, I entered my master's cham- 
ber ; it being dark, I could not give a death blow, the 
hatchet glanced from his head, he sprang from the bed 
and called his wife, it was his last word. Will laid him 
dead with a blow of his axe, and Mrs. Travis shared 
the same fate as she lay in bed. The murder of this 
family, five in number, was the work of a moment, not 
one of them awoke ; there was a little infant sleeping in a 
cradle, that was forgotten, until we had left the house and 
gone some distance, when Henry and Will returned and 
killed it; we got here four guns that would shoot, and 
several old muskets, with a pound or two of powder. 
We remained some time at the barn, where we paraded ; 
I formed tiiem in a line as soldiers, and after carrying 
them through all the manoeuvres I was master of, marched 
them oir to Mr. Salathiel Francis', about six hundred 
yards distant." 

They proceeded in this manner from house to house, 
murdering all the whites thev could find, their force aug- 
menting as thi-y proceeded, till they amounted to fifty or 
sixty in number, all mounted, armed with guns, axes, 
swords, and clubs. They then started for Jerusalem, 
and proceeded a few miles, when they were met by a 
party of white men who fired upon them, and forced them 
to retreat. "Oa my way back, (says Nat,) I called at 
Mrs. Thomas's, Mrs. Spencer's, and several other places, 
23 



206 

the white families having fled, we found no more victims 
to gratify our thirst for blood ; we stopped at Major Rid- 
ley's quarter for the night, and being joined by four of 
his men, with the recruits made since my defeat, we mus- 
tered now about forty strong, 

" After placing out sentinels, I laid down to sleep, but 
was quickly roused by a great racket ; starting up, 1 
found some mounted, and others in great confusion ; one 
of the sentinels having given the alarm that we were 
about to be attacked, 1 ordered some to ride round and 
reconnoitre, and on their return the others being more 
alarmed, not knowing who they were, fled in different 
ways, so that I was reduced to about twenty again ; with 
this I determined to attempt to recruit, and proceed on to 
rally in the neighbourhood I had left. Dr. Blunt's was 
the nearest house, which we reached just before day : on 
riding up the yard, Hark fired a gun. We expected Di'. 
Blunt and his family were at Major Ridley's, as I knew 
there was a company of men there ; the gun was fired to 
ascertain if any of the family were at home, we were im- 
mediately fired upon and retreated, leaving several of my 
men. I do not know what became of them, as I never 
saw them afterwards. Pursuing our course back, and 
coming in sight of Captain Harris's, where we had been 
the day before, we discovered a partjr of white men at the 
house, on which all deserted me but two, (Jacob and Nat;) 
we concealed ourselves in the woods until near night. 
when I sent them in search of Henry, Sam, Nelson, and 
Hark, and directed them to rally all they could, at the 
place we had liad our dinner the Sunday before, where 
they would find me, and I accordingly returned there as 
soon as it was dark and remained until Wednesday even- 
ing, when discovering white men riding around the place, 
as though they were looking for some one, and none of 
my men joining me, I concluded Jacob and Nat had been 
taken, and compelled to betray me. On this I gave up 
all hope for the present, and on Thursday night, after 
having supplied myself with provisions from Mr. Travis', 
I scratched a hole under a pile of fence rails in a field, 
where I concealed myself for six weeks, never leaving 



267 

my hiding place but for a few minutes in the dead of the 
night to get water which was very near ; thinking by 
this time I could venture out, I began to go about in the 
night, and evesdrop the houses in the neighbourhood ; 
pursuing this course for about a fortnight, and gathering 
little or no intelligence, afraid of speaking to any human 
being, and returning every morning to my cave before 
the dawn of day. I know not how long 1 might have 
led this life, if accident had not betrayed me. — A dog in 
the neighbourhood, passing by my hiding place, one 
night while I was out, was attracted by some meat I had 
in my cave, and crawled in and stole it, and was coming 
out just as I returned. A few nights after, two negroes 
having started to go hunting with the same dog, and 
passed that way, the dog came again to the place, and 
having just gone out to walk about, discovered me and 
barked, on which, thinking myself discovered, I spoke to 
them to beg concealment. On making myself known 
they fled from me. Knowing then they would betray 
me, I immediately left my hiding place, and was pursued 
almost incessantly, until I was taken a fortnight after- 
wards, by Mr. Benjamin Phipps, in a little hole I had 
dug out with my sword, for the purpose of concealment, 
under the top of a fallen tree. On Mr. Phipps' disco- 
vering the place of my concealment, he cocked his gun 
and aimed at me. I requested him not to shoot and I 
would give up, upon which he demanded my sword. 
I delivered it to him and he brought me to prison." 

Nat was executed according to his sentence at Jeru- 
salem, Nov. 11th, 1831. The following is a list of the 
persons murdered in the insurrection, on the 21st and 22d 
of August, 1831. 

Joseph Travis and wife and three children, Mrs. Eli- 
zabeth Turner, Hartwell Prebles, Sarah Newsome, Mrs. 
P. Roe^e and son William, Trajan Doyle, Henry Bryant 
and wife and child, and wife's mother, Mrs. Catharine 
Whitehead, son Richard and four daughters and grand- 
child, Salathiel Francis, Nathaniel Francis' overseer 
and two children, John T. Barrow, George Vaughan, 
Mrs, Levi Waller and ten children, William Williams, 



268 

wife and two boys, Mrs. Caswell Worrel and child, 
Mrs. Rebecca Vaughan, Ann Eliza Vaughan and son 
Arthur, Mrs. John K. Williams and child, Mrs. Jacob 
Williams and three children, and Edward Drury — 
amounting to fifty-five. 



126. Rial in Providence in Sept. 1831. 

The committee of citizens appointed at the town meet- 
ing in Providence on the 2yth ult. to investigate and 
make a statement of facts, have made a report. It is 
stated that for several years there has been in Olnej^'s 
lane, and in the part of Providence called ' Srtovv Town,' 
a number of houses inhabited chiefly by idle blacks, 
others by whites, and others by a mixture, constituting a 
continual nuisance, from their riots and affrays ; that the 
town authorities had been remiss in not correcting the 
nuisance, as so hateful was it to those who lived within 
its sphere, that they made no efforts to discountenance the 
mob, whose proceedings on the night of the 22d ult. were 
scarcely interrupted in the presence of nearly 1000 satis- 
fied and passive spectators. Yet those who thus counte- 
nanced the mob, are now convinced that of all the evils 
that can be inflicted upon civil society, that of a lawless and 
ferocious mob is the most capricious in its objects, the most 
savage in its means, and the most extensive in its conse- 
quences. 

The first of the recent riots took place on Wednesday 
evening, Sept. 21. Five sailors, after supper, started from 
their boarding houses in the southerly part of the town to 
go ' on a cruise.' They arrived at the foot of Olney's 
lane about eight o'clock, where they met six or seven 
men, of one of the steamboats, with sticks or clubs in 
their hands, and without hats or jackets. They stated 
that they had been up and had a row with the ' darkies,' 
and asked the five sailors to go up and aid them. About 
a hundred persons were assembled, all of whom appear- 
ed ready for an affray. The five sailors admit that they 



2G9 

proceeded ti^the lane -»vith the multitude. A great noise 
was made, the crowd singing and shouting until they 
came near the elm tree, Avhe n a gun ^^•as discharged and 
stones thrown from the vicinity of" the houses occupied by 
the blacks. Stones were also thrown by the crowd against 
the houses. The committee have received no satisfactory 
evidence whether the discharge of the gun and stones by 
the blacks preceded or succeeded the stones thrown by 
the crowd, or whether they were simultaneous. It is 
pretty certain that upon the firing of the gun, the main body 
of the crowd retreated to the foot of the lane. The five 
sailors, however, continued up the lane, and when nearly 
opposhe the blacksmith's shop, another gun was discharg- 
ed. AVilliam Henry, one of the five sailors, put his hand 
to his face, and said he was shot. George Erickson and 
William Hull proceeded to the house the farthest east 
but one, on the south side of Olney's lane, occupied by 
blacks. A black man standing on the steps presented a 
gun, and told them to keep their distance at their peril. 
Hull proposed taking the gun from him, but Erickson 
thought it best to leave him. 1'hey accordingly joined 
their three comrades, and proceeded up the lane about a 
hundred feet to a passage leading from the south side of 
the lane to a lot in the rear. They saw three or four 
pien, one of whom Hull knew. The black whom they had 
seen on the steps with a gun, perceiving that they had 
stopped, ordered them a^ain 'to clear out,' or he Avould 
fire upon them. He saidu ' Is this the way the blacks are 
to live, to be obliged to (\fend themselves from stones?' 
The sailors refused to go any farther. One of them, Hull 
thinks it was George, told the black to 'fire and be damned.' 
Two attempts to fire wer^; made, a flash and a snap ; upon 
the third, the gun went ciT. 

George fell, m.ortally a rounded, with a large shot in his 
breast. William Hull a nd John Phillips were wounded, 
but not dangerously. G eorge died in about half an hour, 
during which time Hull states that he could obtain no 
assistance from the crow( I below. Before he was removed, 
and within half an hour of his death, as Hull states, the 
crowd had increased to n large mob, and they proceeded 



270 

up the lane, and demolished two of the houses occupied 
by blacks, and broke the windows and some of the furni- 
ture of others. 

On the 22d, the knowledge that a white man had been 
shot by the blacks, made a great excitement, and the mob 
assembled at 7 o'clock, and the sheriff arrested seven 
and committed them to jail, but in three or four other in- 
stances the mob made a rescue. Twenty-five soldiers of 
Capt. Shaw's company being ordered out, they w^ere pelt- 
ed by the mob with some injury, and it being perceived 
that nothing short of firing would have any other eflfect 
than to exasperate the mob, they marched off, and no fur- 
ther attempt was made that night to quell the mob. On 
Friday morning it was generally reported that an attempt 
would be made to break into the jail and rescue the pri- 
soners. A meeting of the State Council was had, three 
infantry, one cavalry, and one artillery company ordered 
to be under arms. Four of the rioters were liberated for 
want of evidence, and three bound over for trial, that the 
mob might have no pretence to attack the jail. In the 
afternoon the following placard was posted. 



' All persons ho are in favor of Liberating those Men ho 
are confined within the walls of the Providence Jail are 
requested to make due preparation, and govern themselves 
accordingly' 

' N B — No quarters Shone.' 

Most of the evening from 30 to 50 collected in front of 
the jail, many threats were uttered, and it was with diffi- 
culty that the mob could be made to believe that all the 
prisoners had been discharged. Soon after, a man who 
had an instrument under his arm, apparently a sword, 
appeared and ordered the mob to Snow Town, whither 
they went, but did but little damage. 

On Saturday evening, 6 o'clock, the same companies 
mustered about 130 men at their armories, and the sheriff 
repaired to Snow Town at half past eight. There was a 
great crowd, and stones were thrown at the houses : he 
waited on the Governor, who it his request ordered out 



271 

the troops, who on their way to their post on the hill 
west of the buildings the mob were destroying, were 
sorely pelted, and in clearing the hill, one of the mob 
seized an infantry soldier's musket, and pulled him down 
the bank 20 feet. A skirmish ensued between two or 
three soldiers and some of the mob, in which an artille- 
rist gave the man who had seized the soldier, a sabre cut. 
After the military had taken tlieir position, the riot act 
was read audibly by W. S. Patten, Esq. a Justice of the 
Peace, the mob listening in silence, after which all per- 
sons were repeatedly warned to disperse peaceably, and 
told that all who remained would be considered rioters. 
The night was still, and the proclamation and statements 
were plainly heard at a great distance : but the multitude 
answered by huzzas, shouts, and threats. The sheriff then 
gained attention, and stated that all must disperse, or in 
five minutes they would be fired upon. The shouts and 
stones were redoubled, and exclamations of ' fire and be 
damned' Avere heard from all quarters. The civil officers 
were constantly employed in trying to induce the mob to 
depart. Soldiers being injured from an opposite hill, the 
sheriff directed the crowd to retire from that, or he would 
have to fire upon them ; one party moved off towards 
Mr. Newell's residence, and another portion towards the 
houses near the bridge. 

The mob then again attacked one of these houses, 
throwing stones and demolishing the windows. The 
sheriff in a very loud voice, commanded them to desist, 
but no attention was paid to him. The violence of the 
attack increased, so that it was supposed they had begun 
to tear the building down. At this time the sheriff re- 
quested the Governor to detach a portion of the force to 
suppress the riot. The Light Dragoons and the first 
Light Infantry were accordingly ordered to march under 
the sheriff's directions. The Governor advised the she- 
riff not to fire unless in self-defence. As these two com- 
panies approached Mr. Newell's in order to gain the road, 
they found a portion of the tumultuous crowd still posted 
in that quarter, who threw stones upon them. The sol- 
diers halted, and musketry was discharged into the air, 



272 

with a view to intimidate the rioters, and thus cause them 
to disperse without injury, but this firing produced no 
other effect than a shower of missiles, accompanied with 
hootings and imprecations. The sheriff left this detach- 
ment, returned to the Governor, and said he did not 
deem it prudent to move down the hill, leaving this large 
body of the mob in the rear. The Governor then directed 
the company of Cadets to occupy a position to protect 
their rear, which they did accordingly. The sheriff with 
the two companies first detached, then marched doAvn, the 
infantry in front, he constantly directing all persons to re- 
tire, and moving sufficiently slow to give them an oppor- 
tunity to do so. As he approached the house, the mob 
desisted from their work. 

During this march, the stones were continually heard 
rattling against the muskets, and fell thick among the 
soldiers. As the troops approached the bridge, part of 
the mob retired before them ; some occupied the ground 
upon each flank, and the sides of the bridge Avere filled. 
They slowly crossed the bridge, the sheriff' continually 
and earnestly repeating his request for the rioters to dis- 
perse, warning them of their danger. The crowd immedi- 
ately closed in upon their rear with great clamour, throw- 
ing stones without cessation. After the detachment had 
gained the street east of the bridge, the assaults upon 
them increased to so great a degree of violence, that the 
Cavalry were forced against the Infantry, andthe rear pla- 
toon of Infantry nearly upon the front. The Dragoons 
called out to the Infantry that they could not withstand 
the incessant shower of missiles ; and unless the Infantry 
fired upon the rioters, it was impossible that they could 
remain. The Cavalry were without ammunition. The 
Infantry also exclaimed that they could no longer sustain 
these dangerous volleys of stones, and if they were not 
permitted to defend themselves, they felt they were sacri- 
ficed. The detachment halted in Smith-street, near its 
junction with North Main-street, at a distance of about 
forty rods from the residue of the military on the hill. 
The Infantry faced about to present a front to the assail- 
ants and the Light Dragoons who had been compelled to 



273 

advance partly along their flanks, filed past them, and 
formed upon the left. 

After they hahed, the stones were still hurled unremit- 
tingly. Many of the soldiers were seriously injured. 
Tlie stocks of several of the muskets were split by the 
missiles. The air was filled with them. I'he sherifl^ 
who was by the .*ide of the Captain of the Infantry du- 
ring the whole march, repeatedly commanded the mob to 
desist, but t^hose orders were wholly unavailing. It hav- 
ing now become manifest that no other means existed by 
wliich the riot could be suppressed, or the lives of the men 
preserved, the sheriff directed the Captain to fire. The 
Captain then gave the word, ' ready.' Here a momentary 
pause took place. The stones were still thrown with the 
greatest violence, and exclamations were vociferated, 
' Fire and be damned.' The Captain turned to the sheriflf 
and asked, ' Shall I fire?' Perceiving that the crisis had 
at length arrived, and that the danger was imminent, he 
replied,, ' Yes, you must fire.' The further orders were 
then given, 'Aim — Fire.' A discharge followed in a 
somewhat scattering manner.* After the order was thus 
executed, a second was immediately given to cease firing. 
The most perfect silence ensued, not a sound was heard, 
and all violence instantly ceased. In about five minutes, 
it being evident the mob was now quelled, the Infantry 
assumed a new position in the line on the east side of 
Main-street, facing westwardly with the Cavalry on their 
left. 

At the moment these two companies passed the bridge 
on their march eastward, the shouts were so violent, and 
the attacks upon them appeared so alarming, that the 
Governor, apprehensive for their safety, ordered the com- 
pany of Cadets to march double quick time to their sup- 
port. The firing of the Infantry was hoard immediately 
after. The Cadets were then moving down, but had not 
passed below the point where the Governor with the Ar- 
tillery and volunteer companies remained. They how- 
ever continued their march, crossed the bridge, and pro- 
ceeded down Canal-street to Weybosset bridge, dispersing 
♦ Four persons were killed,— .Ed, 



274 I 

the mob before them. After the firing ceased, informa- 
tion was brought to the Governor, that the muhitude was 
separating. Before leaving the hill, the Governor re- 
quested Dr. Parsons, who was Avith him, to attend upon 
the wounded, and render them every possible assistance. 

Throughout this investigation, the committee have not 
been able to conceal from their view the disastrous conse- 
quences of a predominance of the mob over the Infantry, 
on the night of the 24th. The Dragoons had been driven 
upon the Infantry, and forced partly around their flank ; 
the men could stand the pelting no longer. Surrounded 
as they were, no effectual use could be made of the bayo- 
net. They were obliged to fire, or suffer their ranks to 
be broken. Had their ranks been broken, the lives of 
many if not all of the soldiers Avould have been sacrificed, 
and their arms fallen into the possession of the mob. 

The Committee therefore are of unanimous opinion, 
that the necessity of a discharge by the Infantry was 
forced upon them by the mob, and that it was strictly in 
defence of their lives. 



275 



A CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 



DISCOVERIES, SETTLEMENTS, WARS, AND 
REMARKABLE EVENTS, 



UNITED STATES. 



DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. 

1492 America first discovered by Columbus. 

1497 North America first discovered by Sebastian Cabot, a Venetian, 
in the service of England. 

1512 John Ponce de Leon discovered and named Florida, from its 
being discovered on Easter day, or feast of flowers. 

1528 P. de Narvaes, with 400 men, lands in Florida, and attempts 
the conquest of the country. He is defeated by the natives. 

1535 Cartier, a Frenchman, first attempts a ."iettlernent in Canada. 

1539 Ferdinand de Soto, a Spaniard, landed in Florida with 1200 
men, in search of gold. He penetrated into the country, and 
discovered the Mississippi. 

1562 Ribault, with a colony ot French Protestants, began a settle- 
ment on the Edisto. It was abandoned. 

1584 Sir Walter Raleigh obtains a patent for making discoveries. 

Amadas and Barlow, by order of Raleigh, landed on Woconan 
and Roanoke. On their return. Queen Elizabeth named the 
country Virginia. 

1585 Sir R. Grenville sent with seven vessels to settle Virginia. A 

colony left at Roanoke under Governor Lane. The colony 
returned to England the ne.xt year. 

1586 Grenville left a second colony at' Roanoke, which was destroyed 

by the natives. 

1587 A third colony, under Gov. White, left at Roanoke. Gov. 

White returned to England for supplies. He came back in 
1590, but not finding the men he haa left, he returned to Eng- 
land. 

1602 Bartholomew Gosnold sailed to America, named Cape Cod, 
discovered Martha's Vineyard and the adjacent islands, 
built a fort and store-house, but returned to England the same 
year. 

1607 Captain Newjjort arrived in Virginia, and began the first per- 
manent British settlement in ISorth America, at Jamestown, 
Virginia. 

160S Capt. Smith first explored the Chesapeake. 

Canada settled by the French. Quebec founded July 3d. 



276 

1610 Capt. Henry Hudson, an Englishman, in the service of the 

Dutch, discovers the Manhattan, now Hudson river. 

1611 Champlain, a Frenchman, discovered the lake which now bears 

his name. 

1614 Capt. Smith made a fishing voyase to the northern part of Ame- 
rica. Made a cliart of the coast, which he presented to Prince 
Charles, who named the country New England. 
Settlements commenced by the Dutch, at Manhattan, now New 
York, at Albany, and in New Jersey. 

1616 Capt. Dermer, the first Englishman who sailed through Long 
Island sound. 

1620 Plymouth settlers arrived at Plymouth, Dec. 22. 

1623 First settlement of New Hampshire, at Dover, and at Little 
Harbour. 

1627 Delaware and Pennsylvania settled by the Swedes and Fins. 

1629 Salem settled by Gov. Endicott. 

1630 Charlestown, Boston, Watertown, and Dorchester, settled by 

Gov. Winthrop and others. 
1633 Maryland settled by Lord Baltimore and a colony of Roman 
Catholics. 
The Dutch erect a fort on Connecticut river, in the present town 

of Hartford. 
The Plymouth people erect a trading house in the present town 
of Windsor, Conn. 
r634 Wethersfield, Conn., settled by people from Dorchester, Mass. . 

1635 Windsor settled bv people from Dorchester. 
Saybrook fort built by J. Winthrop's men. 

1636 Hartford settled by Mr. Hooker and his congregation. 
Providence, R. L, settled and named by Roger Wilhams. 

1638 New Haven settled by Messrs. Davenport, Eaton, and others. 
Exeter, New Hampshire, founded. 

1639 Newport, Rhode Island, settled. 

Milford, Guilford, Stratford, and Saybrook, in Connecticut, 
settled. 

1640 Southampton, on Long Island, settled by people from Lynn, 

Massachusetts. 

1642 T. Mayhewand others settle Martha's Vineyard. 

1648 New London, Conn., settled. 

1654 Col. Wood, of Viiginia, sent a company of men to explore the 
country of the Ohio. 

1658 Northampton and Hadley, Mass., settled by people from Con- 
necticut. 

1663 Carolina planted. 

1664 Elizabethtown, New Jersey, settled. 

1665 Sir J. Yeamans settled on the southern banks of Cape Fear 

river, with a colony from Barbadoes. 

1677 Burlington, N. J., settled by a number of families from York- 
shire, England. 

1680 Charleston, South Carolina, settled. 

1682 Pennsylvania settled by William Penn and others. Philadelphia 

founded. 
M. de la Salle descended the Mississippi to its mouth, took pos- 
session of the country in the name of Louis XIV. the French 
king, and nanied the country Louisiana. 

1683 Germantown, Pa., settled by a number of Quakers from Ger- 

many. 
1692 A fort built at Pemaquid by Sir William Phipps. 
1702 The Freii'-h send colonies into Louisiana. 



277 

1710 2700 Palatines, from Germany, arrived and settled in New York 

and Pennsylvania. 
1717 New Orleans founded by the French. 
1722 Gov. Burnet, of N. V., erects a trading house at Oswego. 
172:} First settlement in Vermont. 
1724 Trenton, N. J., founded by William Trent. 
1731 Fort at Crown Point built by the French. - 

1733 Georgia settled by Mr. Oglethorp and others. 
A colony of Swiss came to Carolina. 

1740 Tennessee explored by Col. Wood, Patton, Dr. Walker, and 

others. 

1741 The Moravians, or United Brethren, began the settlement of 

Bethlhcem, Pa. 
1749 Halifa.\, Nova Scotia, settled by the British. 
1756 Fort Loudon, on the Tennessee river, built. 

1764 A large body of German settlers arrive in Carolina. 

1765 The settlement of Tennessee commenced. 

1771 Nootka Sound, the north-west coast of America, discovered by 

Capt. Cook. 
1773 Kentucky settled by Col. Boon and others. 
1773 Connecticut formed a township on the Susquehanna, forty miles 

square, called Westmorelanu, and anne.xed it to the county of 

Litchfield. 
1787-3 Twenty thousand settlers, rnen, women, and children, passed 

the Muskingum river, in Ohio. 
1S04 Capts. Lewis and Clark explored the Missouri to its source, 

crossed the Rocky Mountains, arrived at the Pacific ocean in 

November, 1805, returned to the United States in 1806. 
1312 First house in Rochester, N. Y., built. 



WARS, MILITARY EVENTS, &c. 

1014 The Dutch built a fort at Manhattan, (near New York.) 

1622 The Indians massacred 349 of the Virginia colonists, March 22, 
Narragansett Indians threaten war. 

1623 Massasoit disL-lose.^ an Indian conspiracy. 
1034 The Indians in Connecticut begin hostilities. 
1635 Fort built at Saybrook, Con. 

1637 War triih the Pc^uuts in Connecticut : their fort taken by sur- 
prise and destroyed. May 26. 

163S Uncas. Sachem of the Mohegans, makes a treaty with the 
EnElish. 

1642 The Dutch fort at Hartford seized by the inhabitants of Con- 

necticut. 
Indian war in Maryland. 

1643 War between the Mohecrans and Nnrragansefts. 

1645 .\i-tioii between a New F.nglaud ship and an Irish man of war. 
Battle fought between the Dutch end Indians, near the confines 
of Connecticut ; gnat numbers slain on both sides. 
1651 Dutch trading house on the Delaware taken by the Swedes. 
1654 The Iroquois Indians e.xtrrminate the Eries. 

The Dutch extirpate the Swedes from the Delaware. 
1664 New Vork and .Albany taken from the Dutch. 
1669 War between New York India-is and the Mohawks. 
24 



278 

1673 New Vork and New Netherlands taken by the Dutch— they 

were restored to the En£;Hsh the next year. 
1675 King Phlli/i^s HV/r comtnenced ; action at Swanzey, June : 

Brookticld burnt, Detrlield burnt, Sept. I ; Hadlty as.saulted ; 

.Sprin;jfiel(i burnt ; Cupt. Lathrop, with 80 nun, surprised by 

Indians— almo.'it every man slain, Sept. l«. 
Gov. Winslow, with 1000 men, attacked the Narragansett.s, 

(the allies of Philip,) in their fort: the fort destroyed, and 

their country ravaged, December. 
167C Lancaster burnt ; Capt. Pierce and his company slain ; Capt. 

Wadsworth and about fifty of his men killed ; Falls fight— 

the Indians surprised in the nia;ht, — they lost ;iOO men, women, 

and children. May IS; Hatfield and Hadley attacked.— King 

Philip killed, Aug. 12— which ends the war. 
Bacon's insurrection in Virginia; Jamestown burnt. 

1677 Insurrection in Carolina : the insurgents exercised authority for 

two years in that colony. 

1678 Fort built at Pemarjuid ; treaty at Casco with the Indians. 

1686 Port Royal, Carolina, broken up by the Spaniards from St. Au- 

gustine. 

1687 The French under Denonville, make war upon the Seneca 

Indians. 

1688 Gov. Andros' expedition against the eastern Indians. 

1690 A body of French and Indians, from Montreal, burn Sche- 

nectady, and massacre the inhabitants, Feb. 8. 
Salmon Falls surprised by the French and Indians. 
Casco fort destroyed ; fort at Pemaquid taken. 
Port Royal taken by Sir AV'illiam Phipps — he makes an expedition 

against Quebec, but is uusuccessful. 

1691 Major Schuyler, with a party of Mohawks, attacks the French 

settlements on Lake Champlain. 

1692 The French and Indians attack York and Wells. 

1693 Count Frontenac. Governor of Canada, makes an expedition 

against the Mohawks. 

1694 Gov. Fletcher makes a treaty with the five Nations. 

1696 The French destroy the fort at Pemaquid, and lay ■ aste Nova 

Scotia. 
1700 Carolina infested with pirates. 

1702 Gov. Moore's expedition against the Spaniards, at St. Augiistind 

—it proves abortive. 

1703 Gov. Moore sididues the Apalachian Indians. 

1704 Deerfield burnt and most of its inhabitants carried captive by 

the French and Indians, Feb. 28. 

1705 The French ravage Newfoundland. 

1706 The Spaniards and French invade Carolin;i— they are defeated. 

1707 Tlie New I'.ngland troops make an unsuccessful expedition 

against Port Royal. 

1708 Haverhill surprised hy the French and Indians. 

1710 Port Royal, in Nova Scotia, taken by general Nicholson, Oct. 2. 

1711 Expedition against Quebec — failed by the loss of transports in 

the St. Lawrence, August. 

1712 War with the Tuscaroras in North Carolina— they are de- 

feated. 
1715 A general conspiracy against the Carolinas, by the Yamasees. 

Cherokees, and other tribes.— Governor Craven attacks ana 

defeats them in their cainp. 
1719 Pensacola taken by the French from the Spaniards. 
1724 War with the eastern Indians in New England. 



279 

1730 The Natcho7. Indians extirpated by the French. 
1736 The Chicknsaw Indians defeat the French. 

1740 General 0,a;lethorp, with 2,000 men, makes an unsuccessful ex- 

pedition against St. Augustine. 

1741 Expedition against Cuba. 

1742 Spanish expedition against Georgia— failed. 

1745 Loiiisburg and Cape "Breton taken by the New England troops, 

aided by a Britisli squadron, June 17. 
174G French expedition under Duka D'AnvilJe, which threatened 

New England, failed, by means of storms, sickness in the 

fleet, &c. 
1747 Saratoga village destroyed, the inhabitants massacred by the 

French and Indians. 
\7!y" The French erect forts on the back of the cclonies. 

1754 Colonel Washington, with 400 men, in fort Nccessiti^ surren- 

dered to the French, July 4. 

1755 E.xpedition against Nova Scotia ; the French are subdued, the 

inhabitants brought awav and dispersed among the colonies. 

General Braddoek defeated by the French and Indians, July 9. 

Battle of Lake George; the French under Baron Dieskau de- 
feated, Diesknu wounded, Sept. 8. 

1756 Oswe:.'o taken by the French under Montcalm. 

1757 Fort William Henry capitulated to the French, many of the 

garrison massacred by the Indians. 
1753 Louisburg taken by the British, July. 

Gen. .Abcrcromhie defeated at Ticonderoga with great loss ; 
Lord Howe killed, July. 

1758 Fort Fiontenac taken from the French by Col. Bradstreet. 
Fort du Quesne abandoned by the French and taken by the 

English and named Pittsburgh. Nov. 25, 

1759 Ticonderoga and Crown Point taken by Gen. Amherst. 
Niagara taken bv the English, Gen. Prideaux killed. 
English repulsed at Montmorency, near Quebec. 

Battle of Qur.hec ; Gen. Wolf, tne English commander, and 
Montcalm, the French commander, killed; the French de- 
feated and Quebec taken, September. 

1760 M. de Levi attempts to recover Quebec; he is compelled to 

retire. 
Montreal capitulated to the English, September, and Canada is 

subdued. 
The Cherokees take fort Loudon, and treacherously massacre 

the garrison. 

1761 The Cherokees defeated by Col. Grant and compelled to make 

peace. 

1762 Havanna taken by the British and provincials. 

1763 Treaty of peace signed at Paris between Great Britain and 

France; Canada, Nova Scotia, and Cape Breton confirmed 
to the British king. 
176^ Two British regiments stationed at Boston, September. 
1770 Massacre in Boston ; tlie British troops fired upon the inhab- 
itants, and killed three and wounded five, March 5. 
1773 Tea thrown nverboind at Boston, Dec. 16. 
1775 Battle of Lexington, which began the revolutionary war, 
April 19. 
Ticonderoga taken by Col. Ethan Allen. May 10. 
George Washington tippointed commander-in-chief of the Ame- 
rican army. June 15 ; took command of the troops investins 
Boston, July 2. 



•2S0 

1775 Generals Howe, Clinton, and Burgoync, with a re-enforcement 

from England, arrived at Boston, May 25. 
Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17. 
General Montgomery penetrated into Canada, look fort 

Chamblee, St. Johns and Montreal, Nov. 
Col. Ethan Allen captured near Montreal, and sent in irons to 

England. 
Col. Arnold, with 3,000 men, penetrates through the wilderness 

to Canada. 
Assault upon Quebec: General Montgomery killed and the 

Americans defeated, Dee. 31. 

1776 Norfolk, Va., burnt by the British, January 1. 
Boston evacuated by the British, March 17. 

Loyalists defeated in Norlh Carolina by Gen. Moore, Feb. 27. 

Blockade of Quebec rai.sed by the Americans, Mays. 

A body of the Americans at the Cedars surrendered, May. 

The Americans evacuated Canada, June IS. 

The British defeated in their attack on Sullivan's Island, 
July 28. 

General Howe and Admiral Lord Howe, with 2-1,000 men. arrive 
at Sandy Hook, June. 

Declaration of Independence, July 4. 

Battle on Long Island, August 27. 

American army withdrawn from Long Island, Aug. 30. 

Captain Nathan Hale, of Connecticut, executed as a spy. 

New York evacuated by the Americans, taken possession of by 
the British, Sept. 15. 

Gen. Arnold defeated on LakeChamplain, Oct. 12. 

Battle at the White Plains, Oct. 28. 

Port Washington taken, with about 2,000 prisoners, Nov. 16. 

Fort Lee evacuated, Nov. 18. 

Americans attack Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia, but are repul- 
sed, Nov. 20. 

American army retreated through New Jersey, and crossed the 
Delaware, pursued by the British, November and December. 

The British take possession of Rhode Island, Dec. 8. 

Congress adjourn to Baltimore, Dec. 12. 

Gen. Lee suriirised and taken prisoner, Dec. 13. 

Battle of Trenton, lOno Hessians taken, Dec. 26. 
1777 Battle of Princeton, Gen. Mercer killed, Jan. 3. 

Washington retires to Morristown. 

More than 20,0'i0 stands of arms and 1000 barrels of powder ar- 
rived from France. 

Danbury, Con., burnt, Gen. Wooster killed, April 28. 

Col. Meigs crosses over to Long Island from Connecticut, 
and captures 90 of the British without the loss of a man, 
May 23. 

Gen. Prescott sunirised and taken prisoner by Col, Barton, of 
Rhode Island. 

Battle of Brandywine, Gen. Lafayette wounded, Sept. U. 

Gen. Wayne surprised and defeated with the loss of about 300 
men, Sept. 28. 

The British take puasession of Philadelphia, Sept. 27. 

Ticonderoga evacuated by the Americans, July 6. 

Battle of Wellington, August. 

Battle of Germantown, Oct. 4. 

Burgoyne encamps at Saratoga, Sept. 14. 

Gen, Burgoync surrendered to Gen. Gates, Oct. \^^ 



281 

1777 Assault on Red Rank ; British defeated : Count Donop killed. 
177S Treaty of Alliance vith Fraixce, sisnetl Feb. G. 

The British evacuate Philadelphia, .June IS. 

Battle of Monmouth; many soldiers died of the heat, June 28. 

Count D'Estaing arrives with a French fleet offNewport, July. 

Massacre at Wyoming, July. 

Battle on Rliode Island, Aug. 29 ; Americans retreat from Rhode 
Island, Aug. 30. 

Paul Jones' naval battle on the coast of Scotland, Sept. 22. 

Colonel Baylor's regiment of cavalry surprised by Gen. Grey, 
Sept. 2S. 

Expedition of the Americans against East Florida, failed. 

Savannah taken by the British imder Col. Campbell, Dec. 29. 

The .American frigate Randolph, of 3G guns, and 300 men, blown 
up in an engagement ; only four men saved. 
1779 Gen. Ash surprised and defeated by the British at Brier Creek, 
with the loss of 300 men, March 3. 

Engagement at Stono Ferry; Americans obliged to retreat, 
June 20. 

Unsuccessful assault on Savannah ; Count Pulaski, a Pohsh 
oflicer in the service of the Americans, mortally wounded, 
October 9. 

The British make incursions into Virginia ; property to an im- 
mense amount destroyed. 

The British plunder New Jersey, Jime. 

Gov. Tryon mvades and plunders New Haven, July 5 ; Fairfield 
and Nor walk burnt. 

Stony Point taken by General Wayne, July 1.5. 

The Americans made an unsuccessfs.;! attempt against the Bri- 
tish post at Penobscot. 

Gen. Sullivan ravages the country of the Six Nations. 
17?0 Gen. Lincoln capitulated, and Charleston, S. C. surrendered »to 
Sir Henry Clinton, I\[av 12. 

Col. BuforJ defeated at the Wexhaws by the British under Col. 
Tarleton : the Americans lost about 300 men, in killed, wound- 
ed, and prisoners. May 2B. 

Col. Sumpler defeats a party of British at Williamson's planta- 
tion, July 12 ; and a body of Tories at Hanging Rock, Au- 
gust 6. 

Gen. Rochambeau arrives at Newport, R. I. with a French 
fleet and armv, July 10. 

Battle of Caniilen ; the Americans under Gen. Gates, defeated 
August 16 ; Baron de Kalb, a German officer, killed. 

Gen. Sumpter surprised and defeated by Col. Tarleton, Au- 
gust 18. 

Treason of Arnold ; ?iIajor Andre taken and executed, Oct. 2. 

Action at King's Moiniiain ; the British and Tories, under Ma- 
jor Ferguson, defeated with the loss of 150 killed and 800 pri- 
soners, October 7. 

Incursion of the British Gen. Kniphausen, into New Jersey; 
action near Springfield, N. J. June 23. 
1781 Mutiny in the Pennsylvania line of troops, Jan. 1. 

General Green takes command of the Southern American 
army. 

Battle of the Cowpens ; Gen. Morgan and Col. Tarleton, Janu- 
ary 17. 

Battle of Guilford, N. C. between Gen. Greene and LordCorn- 
wallis, March 15. 
04* 



282 

1781 Gen. Marion lakes fort Watson. April 23. 
Fort Cornwallia at Augusta, taken June 6. 

Gen. Greene lays siege to Ninety-Si.x, but is repulsed, June 18. 

The combined armies under Gen. Washington, decamp from 
the Hudson, and march for Virginia, August 19. 

New London, Con. burnt, fort Griswold stormed and the gam- 
son put to the sword by Arnold, Sep;eniber 8. 

Battle of the Eutaw Springs ; Gen. Greene defeats the British, 
with the loss of 1000 men, Sept. 8. 

Lord Cornwallis pursues the Marquis de la Fayette, in Virginia. 

Count deGrasse, with a French fleet, and 3,200 troops, enters 
the Chesapeake, September. 

Yorktown invested, and batteries opened against it, Oct. 9. 1 

The British army under Lord Cornwallis, surrendered at York- I 
town, Va. to Gen. Washington, October 19 ; this event decided { 
the revolutionary war. 

1782 The British evacuated Savannah, July. ] 
Provisional articles of peace signed. Independence of the United « 

States acknowledged, Nov. 30. j 

1783 Definitive treaty signed, Sept. 3. , 
The army disbanded, Oct. IS. J 
Farewell address of Gen. Washington to the army, Nov. 2. j 
General Washington resigned his commission, Dec. 23. 5 

1790 Gen. Harnier defeated by the Indians in Ohio. ' 

1791 Gen. St. Clair defeated by the Indians. 

1794 Gen. Wayne gains a decisive victory over the Indians on the i 
Miami, Au.^ust 20. 

1797 Collision with the French republic. ] 

1798 Gen. Washington appointed to command the armies of the Uni- , 

ted States, July 7. , 

1799 Capt. Truxtun, in the Constellation, took the French frigate In- 

surgent, Feb. 10. ( 

1800 Treaty of Peace with France, September 30. ' 

1803 War with Tripoli. ! 

1804 Com. Preble makes an ineffectual attack on Tripoli. 

1805 Gen. Eaton takes possession of Derne, a Tripolitan city, and a \ 

peace with Tripoli soon after ensues. t 

1807 The American frigate Chesapeake fired into by the British fri- , 

gate Leopard, on the Capes of Virginia, 4 men killed and 1& 

wounded, June 22. 
1809 Non-intercourse with Great Britain and France, established by 

congress, March 1. ,j 
1811 Engagement between the American frigate President, Captain 

Roger.'', and the British sloop of war, Little Belt, Capt. Bing- ' 

ham, May. i 

Battle of Tippacanoe, between Gen. Harrison and the Indians, ' 

November 7. l| 

1S12 Declaration of War by the United States against Great Britain, ' 

June IS. ! 

General Hull surrendered his army, and the fort of Detroit, to ) 

the British, August 16. ' 

U. S. frigate Constitution, Capt. Hull, captured the British frigata i 

Guerriere, Captain Dacres, Aug. 19. j 

400 men, women, and children, massacred at Fort Minims, on \ 

the Alabama, by the Indians, Aug. 30. i 
U. S. frigate United States, Com. Decatur, captured the Mace- 
donian, October 25. < 
Battle of Queenstown. U. C. Gen. Brock killed, Oct. 3. : 



1812 U. S. frigate Constitution, Com. Bainbridge, captured the Java, 

Dec. 29. 

1813 Bloody action at the river Raisin, between the Americans under 

Gen. Winchester, and the British and Indians under Gen. 
Proctor; Gen. Winchester killed, and the American prisoners 
massacred by the Indians, Jan. •J2. 
U. S. sloon of war Hornet, Captain Lawrence, captured the 
British sloop of war Peacock, Captain Peak, who was killed. 
York, Upper Canada, taken by the Americans ; Gen. Pike killed, 

April 27. 
U. S. frigate Chesapeake, Capt. Lawrence, captured by the Bri- 
tish friaate Shannon; Capt. Lawrence killed, June 1. 
Gallant defence of fort Stephenson, by Major Croghan, Au- 
gust 1. 
The American fleet on Lake Erie, under Com. Perry, capture 

the British fleet under Com. Barclay, Sept. 10. 
Gen. Harrison defeats the British and Indians under Gen. Proc- 
tor; Tecumseh killed, Oct. 5. 
Detroit fell into the hands of the Americans. 
1813-14 War with the Creek Indians : March, 26, 1814, Gen. Jackson 
obtains a decisive victory over the Creeks; upwards of 500 
warriors slain at the Great Bend of the Tallapoosa. 
1S14 U. S. frigate Essex, Capt. Porter, captured by a superior force, 
March 2S. 
Fort Eric taken by the Americans, July. 
Battle of Chippewa, July 6. 
Battle of Niagara, July 25. 
Washington captured and burnt by the British under Gen. Ross, 

Aug. 24. 
Attack on Baltimore; Gen. Ross killed, Sept. 12. 
Unsuccessful attack by the British, under Gen. Drummond, on 

fort Erie, Aug. 14. 
Castine taken by the British, Sept. 1. 

Com. Macdonough captures the British fleet on Lake Cham- 
plain; retreat of Gen. Provost from Plattsburgh, Sept. 11. 
1815 Memorable victory of General Jackson over the British before 
New Orleans, Jan. 8. 
Treaty of Peace between the United States and Great Britain, 
signed at Ghent, Dec. 24, 1814, ratified by the president ana 
senate, February 17, ISl.'S. 
Massacre of American prisoners at Dartmoor, Eng. April G. 
War declared against Algiers; Com. Decatur captures the Alge- 
rine frigate Mazouda, June 17; arrives with a squadron before 
Algiers, and compels the Dey to a treaty of peace. 
1818 War with the Seminole Indians. 

1823 Commodore Porter sent against the pirates in the West Indies. 
1832 War with the Winncbagoes and other tribes. " Black Hawk," 
a famous Indian chief, captured, Aug. 27. 



REMARKABLE EVENTS. 

1587 Virginia Dare born— the first child of Christian parents born in 
the United Stales. 

1608 John Laydon married to Ann Burras,— the first Christian mar- 
riage in Virginia, and in the United States. 



284 

1610 Starving time in Virginia; of nearly 500 colonists, all perished 

but GO, in the course of six months. 
1613 Rolfe, an Enirlistiman, married Pocahontas, daughter of Pow- 

hattan, the Indian kmg. 
1C16 Tobacco first cultivated by the English settlers in Virginia. 

1617 Pocahontas died in England, aged 22. 

1618 A great pestilence destroyed most of the Indians from Narra- 

ganset to Penobscot. 

1619 20,000 pounds of tobacco exported from Virginia to England. 

1629 African slaves first brought mto Virginia by a Duich ship and sold 

to the colonists. 
Peregrine White, the first English child born in New England. 
1621 Edward Winslow arid Susannah White, married,— the first 
Christian marriage in New England. 

1623 George Sandys, of Virginia, translated Ovid's Metamorphosis, 

—the first literary production of the Enghsh colonists in 
America. 

1624 The first cattle brought into New England by Edward Winslow, 

agent for the Plymouth Colony. 

1630 Gov. Winthrop first abohshed the custom of drinking healths. 
John Billington executed for murder,- the first execution in 

Plymouth colony. 

1631 First vessel built in Massachusetts, called the Blessing of Baif, 

launched July 4. 

1632 Magistrates of the colony of Massachusetts, first chosen by the 

freemen in the colony. 
The magistrates of Massachusetts ordered that no tobacco 

should be used publicly. 
The general court of Plymouth passed an act, that whoever 

should refuse the office of governor should pay a fine of 20/., 

unless he was chosen two years successively. 

1633 Virginia enacted laws for the suppression of religious sectaries. 
Messrs. Cotton, Hooker, and Stone, three emmcnt ministers, 

arrived at Boston, from England. 
A specimen of r!/c first broughlintp the court of Massachusetts, 
as the firsl-fruits of English grains. 

1634 Roger Williams, minister of Salem, banished on account of his 

religious tenets. 
First merchant's shop in Boston opened. 

1635 Great storm of wind and rain in New England; the tide rose 

twenty feet perpendicularlv, August 15. 

1636 The Desire, a ship of 120 tons, built at Marblehead, the first 

American ship that made a voyage to England. 
The first court in Connecticut, held April 2f3. 

1637 Ann Hutchinson holds lectures in Massachusetts for the propa- 

gation of her pecuhar religious sentiments,— she gains many 
adherents. 
A synod convened at Newtown, Mass., the first synod holden m 
America ; they condemn 82 erroneous opinions which had 
been propagated in New England. 

1638 Great earthquake in New England, June 1. 
Two tremendous storms in August and December ; the tide 

rose It feet above the spring tides, at Narraganset, and flow- 
ed twice in six hours. 

Harvard College, Mass., founded ; it was named after theRev.t 
John Harvard, one of its principal benefactors. 

The ancient and honourable artillery company, formed at 
Boston. 



285 

1638 Throe Englishmen executed by the government of Plymouth 

colony, lor the murder of an Indian. 
1630 First general election in Hartford, Conn.— John Haynes first 

Governor. 
First Baptist church in America formed at Providence, R. I. 
yevcre tempest and rain, Connecticut river rose 20 feet above 

the meadows, March. 
FHrsf. Printing in North America at Cambridge, Mass., by 

Samuel Green; the first thing printed was the Freemen's 

oath. 
House of Assembly established in Maryland. 

1640 The general court of Massachusetts prohibited the use of 

tobacco. 

1641 Severe winter; Boston and Chesapeake bays frozen; Boston 

bay passable f()r carts, horses, &c. for five weeks. 

1642 The New England ministers invited to attend the Assembly of 

divines, at Westminsti*]-, England— but they declined. 
First commencement at Harvard College ; 9 candidates took the 
degree of A. B. 

1643 Union of the colonics of Plymouth, Massacnusetts, Connecti- 

cut, and New Haven, for nmtual defence. 

1646 Mr. Elliott commenced his labours among the Indians. 

The Friends or (iuakers first came to Massachusetts; laws 
passed against them ; four executed in 1659. 

1647 First influenza mentioned in the annals of America. 
Legislature of I\Ia?sachusetis [lassed an act against the Jesuits., 
First general assembly of Rhode Island. 

Rev. Thomas Hooker, the first minister in Connecticut, died, 
aged 61 years. 
11648 Laws of Massachusetts first printed. 

Margaret Jones of Charlestown, Mass., executed for witch- 
craft. 

The " Cambridge Platform" and the "Westminster Confession 
of Faith" received by most of the New England churches. 
The Congreigational church and its pastor ordered to depart 
from Virginia by the governor of that colony. 

1649 John Wintlirop, governor of Massachusetts, and the Rev. Tho- 

mas Shepard died. 
The government of Massachusetts, wiih the assistants, signed 
a declaration against men's wearing long hair, as unscriptural. 

1650 Indians of Martha's Vineyard christianized. 
Constitution of Maryland esiablished. 

1651 The legislature of Massachusetts passed laws against extrava- 

gance in dress. 

1652 The province of Maine taken under the protection of Massa- 

chusetts. 
The first mint for coining money in New England erected. 
John Cotton, a celebrated minister in Boston, died, aged 68. 
.654 College at New Haven projected by Mr. Davenport, 

Gov. Haynes of Connecticut died. 
i656 Miles Standish, the hero of New England, died. 
i657 Disputes concerning baptism in New England. 

Gov. Eaton, of New Haven, died. 
'658 Earthquake in New England. 

t660 At this time the colonies of Virginia, New Englann, and Mary- 
land, were supposed to contain no more than 60,000 inhabit- 
ants. 
Gort'e and Whallcy, the regicides, arrived in Boston. 



28G 

1661 Society for propagating the gospel among the Indians of New 

England, incorporated by Charles II. 
1602 Charter of Connecticut granted by King Charles II. 

The legislature of Massachusetts appointed two licensers of the 

press. 
The assembly of Maryland established a mint in that colony. 

1663 Great earthquake in (Janada and New England. 

1664 Elliott's Indian Bible printed at Cambridge, Mass., the first 

Bible printed in America. 
A large comet seen in New England. 
1605 New Haven and Connecticut united into one colony. 

At this time, the Militia of Massachusetts consisted of 4,400 

men. 
The government of Rhode Island passed an order to omlaw 
Quakers, for refusing to bear arms. 
1666 The buccanier? of America began their depredations in the j 
West Indies. 

1672 Laws of Conneciicut printed; every family ordered to have a 

law book. 

1673 New England contained at this time about 120,000 inhabitants. 
1675 Virginia cgntained at this time about 50,000 inhabitants. 

1680 New Hampshire separated from Massachusetts. The first as- 

sembly met at Portsmouth. 
Great comet seen in New England ; it occasioned much alarm. 

1681 Thomas Mayliew died at Martha's Vineyard, aged 93. 

1682 V\^i]liam Penn held a treaty with the Indians. 

1683 The governor of Virginia ordered that no printing press should 

be used in that colony " on any occasion whatever." 

1686 First Episcopal society formed in Boston. 

1687 Charter of Connecticut hid from Andros, in a hollow oak, euid 

saved. 
M. de Salle, the discoverer of Louisiana, killed by his own men 
in a mutiny. 

1688 New York and the Jersies added to the jurisdiction of New 

England. 
Andros appointed captain-general and vice-admiral over the 

whole. 
Opposition to /indros' administration in Massachusetts. 

1689 William and Mary proclaimed in the colonies. Andros is seized 

and sent a prisoner to England. 
Rev. J. Elliot, " apostle of the Indians," died. 
1600 Bills of credit issued by the government of Massachusetts; the 
first ever issued in the American colonies. 
The iphale fshery, at Nantucket, commenced. 
1691 The assembly ot Virginia obtain of the crow;n the charter of 
William and Mary College, so named from the English sove- 
reigns. 
1092 Nineteen persons executed for witchcraft, in Massachusetts. 
Eldmund Andros, the tyrant of New England, made governor 

of Virginia. 
Massachusetts and Plymouth colonies united. 
Sir William Phipps arrived, as governor of Massachusetts, under 
the new charter. 

1693 Episcopacy introduced into New York. 

1694 Legislature of Massa.'liusetts caused the names of drunkards. 

in the several towns, to be posted up in the public houses, and 
imposed a fine for giving them enteitainment. 

1695 Rice introduced into Carolina. 



287 

1696 Thirty Indian churches in New England at this time. 

1697 Severe winter ; the Delaware frozen. 

1698 Seat of government in Virginia removed to Williamsburgh, the 

streets of which were laid out in the form of a VV, in honour 
of the reigning King of England, William. 

1699 Assembly of Maryland removed to Annapolis. 
Yellow fever in Philadelphia. 

1700 Legislature of New York made a law to hang every Popish 

priest who should come into the province. 
262,000 inhabitants in the American colonies, at the beginning 
of this century. 

1701 Yale College received its charter. 

1702 First emission of paper currency in Carohna. 

First Episcopal churches in New Jersey and Rhode Island. 

1703 The church of England established by law in Carolina. 

1704 I^irst 7iewspape.r in America published in Boston, called the Bos- 

ton News Letter. 

1706 The legislature of Connecticut exempted the ministers of the 

gospel from taxation in that colony. 

1707 Episcopal church formed at Stratford ; the first formed in Con- 

necticut. 

1708 Saybroo/c Platform formed by a synod of ministers, under the 

authority of the state of Connecticut. 

1709 First issuing of paper currency in New York, New Jersey, and 

Connecticut. 

1717 Greatest snow storm ever known, February. 

Yale College removed from Savbrook to New Haven. 
Bellamy, a pirate, wrecked with his fleet on Cape Cod. 

1718 Piracy suppressed in the West Indies. 

William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, died in England, 
aged 74. 

1719 Carolina throws off the proprietary government. 
First Presbyterian churcn in New York founded. 
Northern lights appeared in New England, Dec. Uth. 
Lotteries suppressed bv the legislature of Massachusetts. 

1721 Pirst inoculalion for the small pox in America, at Boston. 

Elihu Yale, the benefactor of Yale College, died in England. 
1923 Twenty-six pirates executed at Newport, R. 1. 

Paper currency in Pennsylvania first issued. 

1724 The sect of Dunkers took its rise in Pennsylvania. 

1725 Synods abolished in New England. 

First newspaper printed at New York, by William Bradford. 

1727 Great earthnuakein New England, Oct. 29. 

1728 Drouaht and hurricane in Carolma ; yellow fever in Charleston. 
Rev. Cotton Mather, a distinguished writer, died, aged 65. 

1731 Rev. Solomon .Stoddard, a theological writer, died. 

1732 Corn and tobacco, made a legal tender in Maryland. Corn at 

20 pence per bushel, and tobacco at 1 penny per pound. 
George Washington born in Westmoreland county, Va., Feb. 22. 

1733 First masonic lodge held in Boston. 

1737 Earlliquake in New Jersey. 

1738 College at Princeton, N. J., foimded. 

I'-IO George Whitefield, a celebrated preacher, first arrives in Ame- 
rica. He died in Newburyport, Mass., Sept. 1770. 
Hard winter; severe cold. 

1741 Four white persons executed, 13 negroes burnt, 18 hanged, and 
great numbers transported, for a conspiracy to burn the city of 
New York. 



288 

1745 Indigo plant discovered in South Carolina. 

1740 First ordinaiion among tin; separate ministers in New England. 

About 30 congregations of this order were formed from 1740 

to 1750. 

1749 Severe drought in New England; causes great distress; some 

of the inhabitants sent to Ktigland for hay. 

1750 Massachusetts enacts a law against theatrical entertainments. 
1752 New Style introduced into Britain and America; Sept. 2d reck- 
oned Nth. 

Charleston, S. C, laid under water by a tempest, Sept. 
Dr. Franklin makes his electrical experiments. 

1754 Convention at Albany, of delegates from seven of the colonies, 

agree on a plan of union — never carried into ertect. 

1755 Great earthquake in North America, Nov. IS. 

1758 Jonathan Edwards, a celebrated theologian, died, aged 55. 

1759 Lotteries granted hy the legislature of Massachusetts for the 

benefit of public works. 

1761 Violent whirlwind near Charleston, S. C. 

1762 Severest druiit^ht known in America, no rain from May to Sept. 
1764 Spanish potatoe introduced into New England. 

Medical lectures first read in Philadelphia. 

1768 or 9 First Methodist church in America built in New York. 

1769 Dartmouth coiltge, New Hampshire, received its charter. It 

was named from the Earl of Dartmouth, its benefactor. 
American Philosophical Society, at Philadelphia, founded, 
1771 R. Sandeman, founder of the Sandemanians, died, at Danbury, 
Con. 

1774 The Shakers first arrived from England; they settled near Al- 

bany. 
First congress at Philadelphia. 

1775 Peyton Randolph, first president of congress, died, aged 52. 
The first line of post offices established ; Dr. Franklm appoint- 
ed postmaster. 

1776 Declaration of Independence, July 4. 

1777 Vermont declares her.^elf an independent state. 

1780 American Academy of Arts and Sciences incorporated. 

Dark day in the northern states, 19th of May, candles neces- 
sary at noon. 

1781 Massachusetts Medical Society incorporated. 

1782 First English Bible printed in America, by Robert Aiken, of 

Philadelphia. 
The American launched at Portsmouth, N. H., Nov. 5th, thu 
first 74 ever built in America. 

1783 Slavery abolished in Massacliusetts. 
1783 — 4 Severe winter, great floods in March. 

1784 Empress of China, a ship of 3()0 tons, sailed from New York 

for Canton ; the first voyage from the United States to China. 
Anthony Benezel, a distinguished philanthropist, died. 
The towns of Hartford, New Haven, Middletown, New Lon- 
don, and Norwich, in Connecticut, constituted cities by thu 
legislature. 
178E First instance of instrumental music in the Congregational 

churches in Boston. 
1736 Shay's insurrection in Massachusetts. 

Universalist church founded in Boston. 
1768 Federal constitution ratified, and became the constitution of tht; 
United States. 
Cotton first planted in Georgia, by R. Leake. 



289 

1789 George Washington inaugurated first president, April 30th. 
Convention of Episcopal clergy in Philadelphia ; the first Epis- 
copal convention in America. 

Dr. Carrol, of Maryland, consecrated bishop of the Roman 
Catholic church ; the first Catholic bishop m the U. Statea. 

1790 Dr. Franklin died, aged 85. 

1792 National mint established at Philadelphia. 

1793 Yellow fever in Philadelphiii, 4,000 persons died. 

John Hancock, Henry Laurens, Arthur Lee, and Roger Sher- 
man, died this year. 

1794 Whiskey insurrectiun in Pennsylvania. 
Destructive frost in New England, May 24th. 

1796 Detroit given up by the British to the United States. 

1797 Jolin Adams elected president. 

1798 Yellow fever in Philadelphia. 

1799 Washington died, aged 68. 

ISOO Seat ofgovcrnmcnt transferred from Philadelphia toWashington. 
The inoculation of the kine pock introduced into America by 
Professor Waterhouse of Cambridge, Mass. 

1801 Thomas Jetlerson elected president of the United States. 

1802 Merino sheep introduced into the United States by Mr. Living 

ston and Gen. Humphreys. 

1803 Louisiana purchased of the French government for 15 millions 

of dollars. 

1804 Gen. Hamilton killed in a duel by Col. Aaron Burr, vice-presi- 

dent of the United States. 
1507 First steamboat built in this country. 

Col. Aaron Burr arrested on a charge of treason. 
Several meteoric stores fell m the county of Fairfield, Coan., 
one wrigliing 35 p unds, Dec. 4th. 
1809 James Madiscn elected president. 

1811 Richmond theatre burnt, Dec. 26; many persons lost their lives, 
1S14 Meeting of the Hartford Convention, Dec. 15. 
1316 Americrn} liible Society formed, May 8. 
Colonization Society formed. 
Cold summer.— Frost every month in the year in the northern 

states. 
Bank of the United Statest, with a capital of 35 millions of dol- 
lars, incorporated in April. 
1S17 Grand canal in the state of New York commenced. 

James Monroe elected president. 
1S20 First mariner's church creeled at New York. 
1821 Florida ceded to the United States. 
1824 Gen. Lafayette arrived at New York. 
Ib25 John Quincv Adams elected president. 

1826 Thomas Jefi'erson and John Adams, two ex-presidents, died, 
July 4th, on the fiftieth anniversary of American independence. 
American Temperance Society formed at Boston, Mass. 
1S23 Andrew Jackson elected president. 

United States steam frigate Fulton blown up at New York ; 
between 30 and 40 persons killed, June 4th. 
1631 Insurrection of slaves in Southampton county, Virginia; about 
60 men, women, and children, murdered, August. 
Riot in Providence, R. L, several persons killed by the military, 
Sept. 24. 
1332 The cholera appears in the city of New York, June 27. 

Ordinance of S. Carolina "nullifying" the operation of the ta- 
lifT laws in that state. 
25 



290 



COLLEGES. 



The following table contains the names of the principal Literary 
Institutions in the United States, the place wherein they are located, , 
and the tune when they were incorporated. 



NAMES. 

Harvard c. 
Wm. & Mary c. 
Yale c. 

New Jersey c. 
Columbia c. 
Pennsylvania U. 
Brown U. 
Dartmouth c. 
Rutgers c. 
Hampden Sidney c. 
Dickinson c. 
Geors?ctown c. 
Charleston c. 
Franklin c. 
N. Carolina U. 
Vermont U. 
William c. 
Union c. 
Greenville c. 
Bowdoin c. 
Transylvania U. 
Middlebury c. 
Jefferson c. 
Washington c. 
S. Carolina c. 
Ohio U. 
Jefferson c. 
Washington c 
Cumberland c. 
Baltimore c. 
Miami U. 
Hamilton c. 
Maryland U. 
Allegany c. 
Virgmia U. 
Waterville c. 
Cincinnati c. 
Columbia c. 
Knoxville c. 
Centre c. 
Amherst c. 
Washington c. 
Wesley an U. 



WHERE LOCATED. INCOR. 

Cambridge, Mass. 1638 

Williamsburg, Va. 1691 

New Haven, Conn. 1700 

Princeton, N. J. 1738 

New York city. 1754 

Philadelphia. 1755 

Providence, R. L 1764 

Hanover, N. H. 1769 

New Brunswick, N. J. 1770 

Prince Edward co. Va. 1774 

Carlisle, Penn. 1783 

Georgetown, D. C. 1784 

Charleston, S. C. 1785 

Athens, Geo. 1765 

Chapel Hill, N. C. 1789 

Burlington, Vt. 1791 

Williamstown, Mass. 1793 

Schenectadv, N. Y. 1794 

Greenville, Tenn. 1794 

Brunswick, Me. 1795 

Lexington, Ken. 1798 

Middlebury, Vt. 1800 

Canonsburg, Penn. 1801 

Lexington, Va. 1801 

Columbia, S. C. 1801 

Athens, Ohio. 1801 

Washington, Missi. 1802 

Washington, Pa. 1802 

Nashville, Tenn. 1806 

Baltimore, Md. 1807 

Oxford, Ohio. 1809 

Clinton, N. Y. 1812 

Baltimore. 1812 

Meadville, Penn. 1817 

Charlottesville, Va. 1817 

Waterville, Me. 1813 

Cincinnati, Ohio. 1819 

Washington, D. C. 1821 

Knoxville. Tenn. 1821 

Danville, Ken. 1823 

Amherst, Mass. 1824 

Hartford, Conn. 1824 

Middletown, Conn. 1831 



291 



A 
SHORT BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

OF SOME OF THE MOST EMINENT PERSONS WHO ARE DISTINGUISHED 
IN AMERICAN HISTORY. 



A. 

Abe rcrombie,' John, a major general in the British army 
in Canada, in 1756. He appeared to be very deficient 
in military talents, and was called by his soldiers Miss 
Nabby Crombie, in derision ; he was superseded by Gen. 
Amherst. 

Adams, John, a patriot of the revolution, and four years 
a president of the United States; was born at Boston, 
about 1735, and was bred to the practice of law. He 
was one of the most decided opposers to the encroach- 
ments of the British government on the rights of the co- 
lonies — was a member of the continental congress in 
1776, and one of the signers of the declaration of inde- 
pendence. He was sent a minister by congress to Hol- 
land, and rendered his country important services in 
that capacity. After the conclusion of the revolutionary 
war, he was sent the first ambassador from the United 
States to Great Britain. On the retirement of Wash- 
ington from the presidency, Mr. Adams was chosen his 
successor. Upon Mr. JefTorson's accession to the pre- 
sidency, Mr. Adams retired to his estate at Quincy, Mass., 
where he died on tlie 4th of July, 182G, on the fiftieth an- 
)iiversary of American independence. 

Adams, John Cluincy, is the son of the preceding, and 
was born at Quincy, about 1705. He has long been 
engaged in public life, and has been sent an ambassador 
of the United States to several European courts. He 



292 

was one of the commissioners Avho signed the treaty of 
peace at Ghent in 1815 ; he also was secretary of state 
under Mr. Monroe, and discharged the duties of that 
station with reputation and distinguished ahilityfor eight 
years. Mr. Adams was elected president of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1825, and continued in the 
office four years. , 

Adams, Samuel, one of the governors of Massachu- 
setts — distinguished as a patriot, and for his influence in 
promoting the revolution — a man of stern integrity and 
dignified manners; he died in 1803, aged 82 years. 

Adams, Hannah, a distinguished female writer, was 
born in Medfield, Massachusetts. Her first work which 
brought her into notice, was her " View of Religions," 
printed in 1784. She was likewise the author of a His- 
tory of New England, a History of the Jews, and a num- 
ber of other valuable Avorks. She died at Brookline, 
near Boston, December 15th, 1831, aged seventy-six. 

Allen, William, chief justice of Pennsylvania previous 
to the revolution — the friend and patron of Benjamin 
West, the celebrated painter. He published at London 
in 1774, the American Crisis, in which was suggested a 
plan for restoring the dependence of America. 

Allen, Ethan, a brigadier general in the revolutionary 
war. He was celebrated for his bold and daring spirit. 
He captured Ticonderoga and Crown Point — was taken 
prisoner in an attempt on Montreal, and sent in irons to 
England, and after having experienced much cruelty, 
was exchanged. He died in Vermont in 1789. In his 
religious opinions he maintained many absurd notions, 
and in his writings ridiculed the Scriptures. 

Alexander, William, commonly called Lord Sterling, 
a major-general in the American army, was a native of 
the city of New York, but spent a considerable part of 
his life in New Jersey. He was considered by many as 
the rightful heir to the title and estate of an earldom in 
Scotland, of which country his father w'as a native. 

Alsop, Richard, a native of Middletown, Conn. — He 
possessed fine talents, and is generally known as a poet 
and translator: he died in 1815. 



203 

Ames, Fisher, an eloquent orator and distinguished 
statesman, born in Dedham, Mass. He possessed a 
mind of a great and uncommon character. He died in 
1808. 

Amherst, Jefirey, Lord, commander-in-chief of the Bri- 
tish army, at the conquest of Canada in 1760. He 
was created field marshal in England, and died in 1780, 
aged 80. 

Andre, John, aid to Sir Henry Clinton, and adjutant 
general of the British army in America, in the revolu- 
tionary war — he was taken as a spy when negotiating 
with Arnold, about the surrender of West Point. He 
was hung at Tappan, N. Y., Oct. 2d, 1798. 

Andros, Edmund, Sir, governor of New York in 1764, 
and of New England in 1686; he was tyrannical and 
odious in his administration — he Avas seized by the 
people, and sent a prisoner to England, but never tried. 
In 1692 he was sent over to Virginia as governor. He 
died in London in 1714, at an advanced age. 

Arnold, Benedict, a major general in the American 
army. He has rendered his name infamous for turning 
traitor to his country ; for attempting to deliver the fort- 
ress of West Point to the British ; for committing ravages 
in Virginia, after his desertion, and a wanton butchery 
of the garrison at Fort Griswold, Conn. He died in 
London in 1801. 

Ashury, Francis, the first bishop of the American 
Methodist Church. He died March 21st, 1816, in the 
seventy-first year of his age, having zealously devoted 
about fifty years of his life to the work of preaching the 
gospel. 

As/imun, Jehudi, agent of the American colony at 
Liberia, Africa. This philanthropist was eminently 
qualified for the station appointed him. Upon his arrival 
in the colony he found it in a feeble and defenceless state, 
and only twenty-eight efl'ective men could be mustered 
when the colony was attacked by more than eight hun- 
dred armed savages. By his uncommon energy and 
prowess, he saved the colony from destruction, and laid 
the foundation of a large and well organized community 
25* 



294 

of freemen. " Like the patriarchs of old, he was their 
captain, their lawgiver, judge, priest, and governor." By 
his hardships and exposure to the climate, his health 
failed him, and he returned to the United States, and 
soon after his arrival, died, at the age of 34, in New 
Haven, August 26th, 1828, deeply lamented by his 
Christian brethren. 

B. 

Bacon, Nathaniel, came to America and caused an in- 
jurious rebellion, in 1676, in Virginia, during Governor 
Berkley's administration. 

Barloiv, Joel, LL. D., was born at Reading, Conn., 
1758, and was educated at Yale college; he served in 
the American army as a volunteer, and as a chaplain. 
At the close of the war he went to France, and became 
popular as a v\'arm friend of the revolution in that coun- 
try. He was appointed by the American government as 
consul to Algiers, and afterwards minister to France, 
and died on his way to Wilna. to meet the Emperor 
Napoleon, 1812. He was a poet of considerable merit; 
his most celebrated production Vv-as the Columbiad. 

Barnard, John, minister of Marblehead, Mass. — the 
father of the commercial enterprise of that place. His 
publications are numerous and valuable. He died in 
1770. 

Barry, John, first commodore in the American navy, 
died at Philadelphia, in September, 1803. He espoused 
with ardour the cause of liberty, early in 1775, and with 
boldness of enterprise, supported the interests of his 
country during the war. He was a patriot of inte- 
grity and unquestionable bravery. His naval achieve- 
ments, a few years before his death, reflect honour on his 
memory. 

Barlram, John, an eminent botanist, was born near 
the village of Darby, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 
the year 1701. His grandfather, of the same name, ac- 
companied William Penn to this country in 1682. He 
was the first American who conceived and carried into 
effect, the design of a botanic garden, for the cultivation 



395 

of American plants, as well as of exotics. He made 
such proficiency in his favourite pursuit, that Linnaeus 
pronounced him " the greatest natural botanist in the 
world." He was also a very ingenious mechanic. 

Bayard, James A., a native of Delaware; a repre- 
sentative and senator in congress ; one of the ministers 
who negotiated the treaty of peace at Ghent ; and minis- 
ter to Russia. He died in 1815. 

Belknap, Jeremy, author of a history of New Hamp- 
shire, and an American biography. He was a minister 
of the gospel, and also one of the founders of the Massa- 
chusetts Historical Society. He died in 1798. 

Bellamy, Joseph, D. D., a divine of New England, 
distinguished for several religious works. 

Benezet, Anthony, a celebrated philanthropist, a native 
of 'France, belonged to the society of Friends; teacher 
of the Friends English school in Philadelphia, after- 
wards of the blacks. He died in 1784. 

Blount, William, governor of the territory south of 
Ohio, and a member of the United States senate, from 
which he was e.x'pelled in 1797. He died at Knoxville, 
Tennessee, in 1810 

Bogardus, Everardus, the first minister of the reformed 
Dutch church in New York, came early to this country, 
though the exact time of his arrival is not known. The 
records of this church begin with the year 1639. 

Bnudinot, Elias, LL. D., an eminent lawyer of the 
state of New Jersey ; Avas president of congress in 1782, 
afterwards a director of the United States mint. He was 
the sincere friend of religion, and of the different chari- 
table associations of the country, and the first president 
of the American Bible Society. He died in 1821. 

Bowdoin, James, LL. D., governor of Massachusetts, 
a statesman and philosopher; he held various distin- 
guished offices in his native state till 1787. He was the 
first president of the American Academy of Arts and 
Sciences at Boston. 

Boylston, Zabdiel, F. lR. S., an eminent physician, 
who first introduced the inoculation of the small pox in 
America, was born at Brookline, Massachusetts, in the 



396 

year 1680. He died in 1766, in the eighty-seventh year 
of his age. 

Braddock, Edward, commander-in-chief of the British 
forces in America in 1755 ; was killed in an ambuscade 
of French and Indians near Fort du Q,uesne. 

Bradford, William, an eminent printer, came to Ame- 
rica about the year 1680, and landed where Philadelphia 
now stands, before the city was laid out, or a house built. 
He lived the greater part of his life in New York, and 
was printer to the government of that province upwards 
of fifty years. He died at New York in 1752. 

Bradford, William, second governor of Plymouth 
colony. He wrote a history of the Plymouth colony 
from 1602, to 1646, but it was lost in 1775. He died 
1657, aged 69. 

Brainerd, David, born at Haddam, Conn., 1718, a mis- 
sionary to the Indians; remarkable for his piety and de- 
votedness to the Christian cause. He died at Northamp- 
ton, Mass., 1747. His diary, which has been published 
since his death, is highly esteemed by religious people. 

Brandt, Col. Joseph, a famous Indian chief, was edu- 
cated under the care of the Rev. Dr. Wheelock, first 
president of Dartmouth College. In the war of the 
American revolution, he attached himself to the British 
cause. He died in Upper Canada, in 1807. He trans- 
lated into the Mohawk language the Gospel of St. Mark, 
a:nd the liturgy of the English church, which was pub- 
lished for the benefit of the Indians. 

Brooks, John, LL. D., governor of Massachusetts, dis- 
tinguished as the early friend of the American revolu- 
tion, and as an able and sound statesman; a judicious 
officer of the American army, who enjoyed the confi- 
dence and respect of his fellow citizens. He died in 1825. 

Brown, Charles Brockden, a native of Pennsylvania, 
distinguished as holding a high rank among the Ameri- 
can novelists ; died in 1810. 

Bull, William, M. D., a physician, eminent for litera- 
ture and medical science, was the son of the honourable 
William Bull, who was appointed lieutenant governor 
of South Carolina, in 1738, and died in March, 1755. 



397 

Burgoyne, Rt. Hon. John, commander of the expedi- 
tion against the northern states from Canada — he sur- 
rendered his whole army to Gen. Gates, at Saratoga, 
during the American revolution. He was the author 
of several dramatic pieces ; he died in 1792. 

Burnet, William, governor of several of the Ameri- 
can colonies, was the eldest son of the celebrated bishop 
Burnet, and was born at Hague, in March, 1688. He 
arrived at New York, and took upon him the govern- 
ment of that province, September 17, 1720. His deci- 
sions were precipitate. He used to say of himself, " I act 
first, and think afterward." He published some astro- 
nomical observations in the transactions of the royal so- 
ciety, and an essay on Scripture prophecy, wherein it is 
endeavoured to explain the three periods contained in 
the twelfth chapter of Daniel, with arguments to prove 
that the first period expired in 1715. This was published 
in 1724. He died at Cambridge, in 1729. 

Burr, Aaron, was born at Fairfield, Conn., in 1749 — 
an aid-de-camp to Gen. Putnam in the revolution — vice- 
president of the United States — celebrated for his "con- 
spiracy" against the Union in 1806, and for killing Gen. 
Hamilton in a duel. 

Butler, Thomas, a brave officer in the revolutionary 
war. In 1797, he brought the Indian war in Tennes- 
see to a termination. He died in 1805. His brother, 
Gen. Richard Butler, was killed in the defeat of St. Clair. 

Bi/lei, Mather, D. D., minister of Boston ; born in 
that town, March 26, 1706. His literary merit intro- 
duced him to the acquaintance of many men of genius 
in England. In his preaching he was generally solemn 
and interesting, though sometimes his sermons gave in-« 
dications of the peculiar turn of his mind. On being 
asked why he did not preach politics, he replied : — " I 
have thrown up four breastworks, behind which I have 
intrenched myself, neither of which cnn be forced. In 
the first place, I do not understand politics ; in the second 
place, you all do, every man and mother's son of you ; 
in the third place, you have politics all the week — pray 
let one day in seven be devoted to religion ; in the fourth 



298 

place, I am engaged in a work of infinitely greater impor- 
tance. Give me any subject to preach on of more con- 
sequence than the truths I bring to you, and I will 
preach on it the next sabbath. He died in 1788. 

c. 

Cabot, George, an eminent statesman — was a member 
of the United States senate from the state of Massachu- 
setts, and president of the Hartford convention. He was 
also the friend and associate of Washington. 

CadwaUader, John, a brigadier general in the Ameri- 
can army, during the war of the revolution ; he died in 1786. 

CadwaUader, a celebrated physician of Philadelphia, 
and among the first who wrote on medical subjects ; he 
flourished about the year 1740. 

Caloert, Leonard, the proprietor and first governor of 
Maryland in 1633. 

Cali-crt, Frederick, Lord Baltimore, proprictcr of Ma- 
ryland, distinguished as an author. He died in 1771. 

Calhoun, John C, born in South Carolina about the 
year 1781, and was educated at Yale College, Conn. 
He is distinguished as a statesman, and in 1825 was 
elected vice-president of the United States. 

Campbell, Lord William, governor of the province of 
S. Carolina; was mortally wounded in an attack on Sul- 
livan's island in 1776. 

Carleton, Guj^, Lord Dorchester, a British officer in 
America, who succeeded Sir Henrj' Clinton, in 1782. 

Carrington, Edward, a qnarter-master-general under 
Gen. Greene in the revolution, and rendered important 
services in the southern army ; he died in 1810. 

Carroll, Charles, the last survivor of the signers of 
the declaration of independence, was born at Annapolis, 
in Maryland, Sept. 8, 1737, O. S. At eight years of age 
he was taken to France to be educated. He returned to 
Maryland in 1764. At the commencement of the revo- 
lution he took a decided stand for his coimtrj'-, and, being 
a Catholic, was sent with some others to Canada, to in- 
duce the Canadians to join the American cause. He 
retired to private life in 1801, favoured with tranquillity, 



299 

health, fortune, and the veneration of his countrymen. 
He died November 14, 1832. 

Carver, Jonathan, a native of Connecticut, who pub- 
lished " Travels into the most interior parts of Ameri- 
ca," and died in 1780, in want of the necessaries of life. 

Chalmers, Lionel, M. D., a learned physician of South 
Carolina, author of several works on medical subjects, 
about 1767. 

Champlain, Samuel de, who discovered the American 
lake which bears his name. He died in 1635. 

Chandler, Thomas Bradbury, D. D., an eminent Epis- 
copal minister in New Jersey, author of several works 
in defence of episcopacy. He died in 1790. 

Charlevoix, Peter Francis Xavier de, born in France 
in 1684 ; a learned Jesuit. He made a voyage to Cana- 
da, by order of the French king, in 1720; from thence 
he passed up the great lakes, and descended the Missis- 
sippi to New Orleans; thence to St. Domingo, and from 
thence he returned to France. His history of New 
France, or Canada, wherein the manners and customs 
of the Indians are described, is considered valuable. 

Chauncy, Charles, the second president of Harvard 
College, was born in Hertfordshire, England, in 1589. 
He came to this country, and arrived at Plymouth in 
1638, to seek the peaceable enjoyment of the rights of 
conscience. He was a distinguished scholar, being inti- 
mately acquainted with the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin 
languages. He was well versed also in the sciences, 
especially in theology, which Avas his favourite study. 
He died in 1761. His manuscripts fell into the hands 
of a person at Northampton, who subsisted principally 
by making and sellinij pies. These learned and pious 
writings were not suffered to decay; being put at the 
bottom of the pies, they rendered good service, by shield- 
ing them from the scorching of the oven. 

Church, Benjamin, distinguished by his exploits in the 
Indian wars of New England, was born at Duxbury, 
Massachusetts, in 1630. He died in 1718. He was a 
man of integrity and piety. He published a narrative 
of Philip's war,' 1716. 



300 

Chester, John, an officer in the American army, dis- 
tinguished himself in the battle of Bunker's Hill ; died in 
1809. 

Clap, Thomas, president of Yale College, one of the 
most profound scholars of his age; he constructed the 
first orrery, or planetarium, in America; died in 1767. 

Clap, Rodger, one of the first settlers in Dorchester, 
Mass., wrote memoirs of New England ; died in 1691. 

Clayton, John, an eminent botanist and physician of 
Virginia, who came from England in 1705 ; died in 1773. 

Clinton, Henry, a British general in the revolationary 
war, took Charleston, S. C, in 1780, was governor of 
Gibraltar in 1795. 

Clinton, James, a major-general in the American army 
during the revolution ; distinguished himself as a brave 
officer in the French, Indian, and revolutionary wars. 
He died in 1812. 

Clinton, George, brother of the general, was an emi- 
nent lawyer, and member of congress in 1776; he was 
repeatedly chosen governor of the state of New York, 
and in 1804 was chosen vice-president of the United 
States; he died in Washington in 1812. 

Clinton, De Witt, son of James Clinton, born in 
Orange county, N. Y., in 1769. He Avas chosen to 
many important offices in his native state, and was elect- 
ed governor in 1817. In his native state, his name, his 
genius, and his services are stamped upon many monu- 
ments of public munificence and private utility. He died 
suddenly, in February, 1828. 

Clymer, George, a member of congress in 1776, a 
signer of the declaration of American independence, 
and distinguished advocate of the rights of his country; 
he died in"l813. 

Clay, Henry, was born in Virginia, 1776 — the son of 
a respectable Baptist clergyman. He removed to Lex- 
ington, Ken., in 1797, and became distinguished as a 
lawyer and politician. He has filled various offices in 
the government of the United States, was for several 
years speaker of the house of representatives, and sub- 
sequently was appointed secretary of state. 



301 

Colden, Cadwallader, a respectable physician, botan- 
ist, and astronomer, was born in Scotland, 1688. Allured 
by the fame of William Penn's colony of Pennsylvania, 
he came over to this country, about the year 1708. In 
1761 he was appointed lieutenant-governor of New 
York, and held this commission the remainder of his 
life, being repeatedly at the head of government, in con- 
sequence of the death or absence of several governors. 
His political character was rendered very conspicuous 
by the firmness of his conduct during violent commotions 
which preceded the late revolution. He died in 1776. 

Conucallis, Charles, Marquis, a brave British gene- 
ral, born in 1738. In the American war he displayed 
great military talents, but was compelled to surrender to 
the French and American army at Yorktown. He was 
appointed by the British government, governor-general 
of India, where he died in ISO/). 

Coito/i, John, one of the znost distinguished ministers 
of New England — born in England ; he sustained a 
high reputation for wisdom and learning; his publica- 
tions were numerous. 

Craik, James, M. D., born in Scotland, came to Vir- 
ginia, received an appointment in the revolutionary army, 
and was physician to the family of Gen. Washington; 
lie died in 1814. 

Culpepper, Thomas, Lord, governor of the colony of 
Virginia; died in 1719. 

I). 

Dagget, Naphtali, D. D., president of Yale college, 
was distinguished as a thorough scholar, and a sound 
divine. He displayed great bravery when the British 
entered New Haven, Con. ; he received a wound at this 
time, of which he finally died in 1780. 

Dallas, Alexander James, an eminent lawyer and 
statesman, came from the island of Jamaica to Penn- 
sylvania in 1783. He was appointed secretary of the 
treasury, and acting secretary of war, and published 
four volumes of valuable law reports ; he died in 1817. 

Dana, Francis, LL. D., 9u eminent lav.ver of Massa- 
26 



302 

ehusetts, a member of the American congress in 1770, 
minister to Russia, and afterwards chief justice of the 
state of Massachusetts; he died in 1811. 

Davenport, John, the first minister of New Haven, 
Connecticut — one of the founders of the colony — a man 
distinguished for his piety, learning, and intrepidity ; 
died in 1670. 

Davidson, AVilliam, a brigadier general in the Ameri- 
can army during the revolution — he was killed while 
endeavouring to prevent the passage of Cornwallis over 
the Catawba, in North Carolina. 

Davie, William R., governor of North Carolina, was 
distinguished by his services in the army during the 
revolutionary war. 

Davics, Samuel, president of Princeton college, N. J. 
— celebrated as a preacher — published several sermons, 
still admired. He died in 17G1. 

Delaware, Thomas West, Lord, governor of Virginia 
in 1610. He took a deep interest in the afiairs of the 
colony, and may be considered one of its first founders ; 
he died in 1618. 

Dennie, Joseph, a native of Massachusetts, distinguished 
for his Iherary genius — the editor of the " Port Folio" in 
Philadelphia; he died in 181:2. 

Dexter, Samuel, LL.D., an eminent lawyer and states- 
man, born in Massachusetts in 1761. Under president 
Adams he was appointed secretary of the treasury, and 
acting secretary of state ; he died in 1816. 

Dickinson, John, a distinguished political writer and 
friend of his country, was the son of Samuel Dickinson, 
Esquire, of Delaware. He was a member of the assem- 
bly of Pennsylvania in 1764, and of the general congress 
in 1765. His political writings were collected and pub- 
lished in two volumes 8vo. He died at Wilmington, 
Delaware, in 1803. 

Dummer, Jeremiah, an agent of Massachusetts, in Eng- 
land, where he rendered important services to the colony ; 
he died in 1739. 

Dimmore, John Murray, ihe last royal governor of 
Virginia — after committing many outrages upon the co- 



303 

lonists he returned to England, where he died in 1809. 

Dwight, Timothy, D.D. LL.D., was born in Northamp- 
ton, Mass. 1752. " As a poet, philosopher, and divine, he 
had few equals ; as president and professor of divinity in 
Yale College, he stood unrivalled, both for his talents as 
an instructor, and for eloquence as a divine." His system 
of Theology has been frequently republished in Europe; 
lie died in 1817. 

Dca/ic^Sihs, a nati^'e of Connecticut, was a member 
of congress in 1774, and afterwards was appointed minis- 
ter to France. He died in 1789. 

Decatur, Stephen, a captain in the U. S. T\a\'y, distin- 
guished for his bravery and professional skill. He ren- 
dered himself conspicuous by his services at Tripoli in 
1804, by his capture of the British frigate Macedonian, 
during the late war, and by his success against the Alge- 
rincs in 1815 ; he was killed in a duel in 1820. 

E. 

Ealon, Theophilus, the first governor of New Haven 
colony. He died in 1G57, highly esteemed and respected. 

Eaton, William, a general in the service of the United 
States, and a consul to the kingdom of Tunis. He v/as 
distinguished for his courage, and the services he render- 
ed his country in the Barbary states, and for his expedi- 
tion against Tripoli, against which power he obtained 
great advantages, but was compelled to relinquish them 
by a treaty made by Mr. Lear, the American consul ; he re- 
turned home mortified and disappointed, and died in 1811. 

Eden, Sir Robert, the last royal governor of Maryland. 
He was compelled to relinquish his office by order of 
Congress, and retired to England. At the close of the 
revolutionary war he returned and recovered his estates, 
and died in 1784. 

Edwards, Jonathan, a celebrated American divine, and 
author of several distinguished theological works, parti- 
cularly on " Original Sin," " Freedom of the Will," 
•' Treatise on Religious Affections," &c. He settled at 
Northampton, Mass., and afterwards was president of 
New Jersey college; he died in 1758. 



304 

Edwards, Jonathan, D.D., president of Union college, 
N. Y. ; was the son of the preceding, and was likewise 
distinguished as a scholar, and able theologian. He died 
in 1801. 

Elliot, John, born in England ; came to New England 
in 1631. He became a zealous missionary to the Indians, 
translated the Bible into their tongue, and for his uncom- 
mon labours has been called "the Apostle of New Eng- 
land." He died in 1690. 

Ellcrij, William, one of the signers of the declara- 
tion of independence, was a distinguished member of 
Congress, from Rhode Island. He died in 1820, aged 
93 years. 

Ellsivorth, Oliver, born at Windsor, Con.; an eminent 
jurist, and chief justice of the supreme court of the Uni- 
ted States. In 1789, he was appointed ambassador to 
France; he died in 1807. 

Endicot, John, governor of Massachusetts. He was 
a sincere and zealous puritan, rigid in his principles, and 
severe in the execution of the laws against sectaries, or 
those who differed from the religion of Massachusetts. 
So opposed was he to every thing which looked like po- 
pery, that, through the influence of Roger Williams, he 
cut out the cross from the military standard. He died 
in 1665. 

Estaing, Charles Henry, Count d'. a French admiral 
who commanded the French fleet in the American revo- 
lution ; he was guillotined in 1793. 

Eustace, John Skey, a brave officer in the American 
war ; an aid to General Lee, and afterwards to General 
Greene : he went to France, were he was made a major 
general ; he returned, and died in 1805. 

F. 

Fiuley, Samuel, D.D.,born in Ireland, president of New 
Jersey college ; he was distinguished for his piety ; pub- 
lished numerous sermons; and died in 1766. 

Firman, Giles, a physician of New England, and af- 
terwards a minister of the gospel in England, author of 
the " Real Christian;" he died in 1697. 



Fisher, Alexander M., professor of mathematics and 
natural philosophy in Yale college ; his professional ta- 
lents were of the highest order ; -he was lost on the coast 
of Ireland, with the packet Albion, in 1822. 

Floyd, William, a member cf congress before and after 
the adoption of the federal constitution ; a signer of the 
declaration of independence; he died in 1821. 

Forbes, John, a physician and afterwards a brigadier 
general in the British service. He took fort Du Quesne 
from the French — where Pittsburgh is now built. He 
died at Philadelphia in 17-59. 

Frankim, Dr. Benjamin, was born at Boston, Mass., in 
1 rOG, and served an apprenticeship to the printing busi- 
ness. He showed a philosophic mind from his earliest 
years, and by the continual exercise of his genius prepa- 
red himself for those great discoveries in science which 
have associated his name with that of Newton, and for 
those political reflections which have placed him by the 
side of a Solon and a Lycurgus. Soon after his removal 
from Boston to Philadelphia, in concert with other young 
men, he established a small club, in which various sub- 
jects were discussed. This society lias been the source 
of the most useful establishments in Pennsylvania, calcu- 
lated to promote the cause of science, the m.echanic arts, 
and the improvement of the human understanding. In 
1757, Franklin was sent an agent by his country to Eng- 
land ; in the year 176G he was called to the bar of the 
house of commons, and underw'ent that famous interroga- 
tory, which has raised his name in the political world. 
He was a member of the first congress, and a signer of the 
declaration of independence ; he was sent to France, 
where he elTected important ser\dces to his country. He 
returned to America in 1785, and died in April, 1790. 

Fulton., Robert, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 
1765. He early evinced a genius for mechanics, and his 
discovery of the application of steam for the purpose of 
propelling boats, will continue his name to posterity, and 
associate him with the benefactors of mankind. The dis- 
covery was made at Paris, in 1803 ; after this he returned 
to America, and in 1807 the first steam boat was put in 
■ 26* 



306 

motion in the waters of New York. Mr. Fulton died 
suddenly in the midst of his career, in Feb. 1815. 

G. 

Gage, Thomas, the last governor of Massachusetts ap- 
pointed by the king. He was very odious to the Ameri- 
cans, and died in England in 1787. 

Gallatin, Albert, a native of Geneva, came to the Uni- 
ted States, where connecting himself with Mr. Jefferson 
and others, he rose to a number of high employments in 
this country ; he was for a time secretary of the treasury, 
and has been a minister to several European powers. 

Gansevoort, Peter, a distinguished officer of the Ame- 
rican army during the revolution. He rendered his 
country important services in defending fort Stanwix, and 
other operations against General Burgoyne ; he died in 
1812. 

Gates, Horatio, a major-general, and a distinguished 
American officer in the revolution. He was commander 
of the northern army to which Burgoyne surrendered 
in 1777. In 1780 he was appointed commander of the 
southern army, and was defeated by Lord CoruAvallis ; 
he died in New York in 1806. 

Gerry, Elbridge, a native of Massachusetts ; a signer 
of the declaration of independence; minister to France, 
governor of the state of Massachusetts, and afterwards 
vice-president of the United States; he died at Washing- 
ton in 1814. 

Girard, Stephen, an eminent merchant in Philadelphia, 
was born in France, and from a cabin-boy, became, at the 
time of his death, the richest man in America. He died 
December 26, 1831, aged eighty-four. He bequeathed 
the principal part of his fortune for public improvements 
in Philadelphia, and the State of Pennsylvania. He 
gave two millions of dollars to establish a literary insti- 
tution in Philadelphia. 

Godfrey, Thomas, the inventor of Hadley's quadrant, 
was by trade a glazier, in the city of Philadelphia. The 
extent of his education was only to read and write, and 
apply the common rules of arithmetic. Having met with 



307 

a mathematical book, he was so delighted with the study, 
that, without any instructer, by the mere streng-th of his 
genius, he soon made himself master of it, and of every 
book of the kind. The manner in which the inventor 
was deprived of the honour of having the instrument 
called by his name was the following. He put it, for 
trial, into the hands of an ingenious navigator, in a voy- 
age to Jamaica. On reaching that place, it was sho^vn to 
the captain of a ship, about sailing to England, by which 
means it came to the knowledge of Mr. Hadley. Mr. 
Godfrey died in Philadelphia in 1749. 

Goffe, William, one of the judges of Charles I., and 
major general under Cromwell ; he came to Boston, 
Mass., in 1660, and lived in concealment in various places, 
till his death in 1679. 

Gookiti, Daniel, author of the historical collections of 
the Indians of New England, and major general of Mas- 
sachusetts; he died in 1687. 

Gordon, William, D.D., of Roxbury, Mass., the author 
of a history of the revolution of the United States, &c. 
He died in 1807. 

Gosnold, Bartholomew, an intrepid mariner of the 
west of England, sailed from Falmouth for the coast of 
America in 1602. He discovered land on the 14th of 
May, and a cape on the 15th, near which he caught a 
great number of cod, from which circumstance he named 
the land Cape Cod. He resided three weeks on the most 
western of the Elizabeth Islands. But finding that he 
had not a supply of provisions, he gave up the design of 
making a settlement. He died in 1607. 

Green, Samuel, the first printer in North America : he 
died about 1685. 

Greene, Nathaniel, a native of Rhode Island, a major 
general in the American army during the revolution; in 
1780 he was appointed to the command of the southern 
army in the room of Gen. Gates. His bravery, skill, 
and services in this command, called forth the express 
approbation of congress and his countrymen ; he died in 
Georgia, in 1786. 

Gwinnet, Button, a native of England, came to South 



308 

Carolina, in 1770 and soon removed to Georgia. He 
was a Avarm friend of the revolution, a member of con- 
gres.s, a signer of the declaration of independence ; he 
was killed in a duel in 1777. 

H. 

Hale, Nathan, a native of Connecticut, a captain in the 
American army during the revolution. After Washing- 
ton's retreat from Long Island, he wished to know the 
situation of the British army, and what would be their 
future operations. Captain Hale nobly offered his ser- 
vices, passed over to Long Island, obtained the necessary 
information ; on his return he was arrested and executed 
as a spy, " lamenting that he had but one life to lose for 
his country." 

Hall, Lyman, governor of Georgia, a warm patriot, 
and a signer of the declaration of independence; he died 
about 1790. 

Haviilton, Alexander, was born in the island of St. 
Croix, in 1757, and came to New York in 1773. He 
was aid-de-camp to Washington, continued in the Ameri- 
can service from the beginning to the close of the revolu- 
tion, and always enjoyed the confidence of Washington. 
He was appointed secretary of the treasury, and as a 
statesmen and financier, revived the public credit, and 
placed the revenue on a permanent footing. He was 
killed in a duel with Col. Aaron Burr, in 1804, univer- 
sally lamented. 

Haviilton, Paul, a firm patriot of the revolution, go- 
vernor of South Carolina, and secretary of the navy of the 
United States, under President Madison ; he died in 1816. 

Hancock, John, LL. D., one of the most distinguished 
patriots of the revolution ; was president of congress in 
1776, and signed the declaration of independence in that 
capacity. He was afterwards governor of Massachusetts. 
He died in 1793. 

Heath, William, a brigadier, and afterwards a major 
general in the American revolution ; he was distinguish- 
ed for his patriotism, and after the war, died at Roxbury 
Mass. 



309 

Henry, Patrick, a native of Virginia, remarkable for 
his commanding- eloquence, and was the first man who pro- 
posed to the colonies hostile measures against Great Bri- 
tain. He declined a number of appointments under the 
government of the United States. He died in 1789. 

Hooker, Thomas, one of the founders of the colonj' of 
Connecticut, and an able minister of the gospel. He 
died in 1647. 

Hopkms, Stephen, LL. D., governor of the colony of 
Rhode Island, a signer of the declaration of indepen- 
dence ; died in 1785. 

Hopkins, Samuel, D. D., a distinguished divine, was 
born in Waterbury, Conn., Sept. 17th, 1721. He died 
in Newport, R. I., Dec. 20th, 1803, where he had preach- 
ed many years. He maintained in his writings, that ho- 
liness consisted in disinterested benevolence, and sin in 
selfishness. His peculiar sentiments are distinguished 
by the term Hopkinsianism. 

Hubbard, William, minister of Ipswich, Mass., author 
of a history of New England in manuscript ; he died in 
1704. 

Hudson, Henry, a celebrated navigator, who discover- 
ed Hudson's Bay, and the river in the state of New York 
which now bears his name. He is supposed to have 
perished at sea, being set adrift in a shallop by his crew, 
in 1611. 

Humphreys, David, LL. D., a soldier of the revolution, 
aid-de-camp to Putnam, Greene, and Washington, suc- 
cessively, ambassador to Lisbon, and minister to Spain. 
He died at New Haven, Con., in 1818. He was distin- 
guished for his poetical and patriotic writings, also for the 
introduction of merino sheep from Spain into the United 
States. 

Hunlington, Jedediah, a general, and a distinguished 
officer in the American army during the revolution ; 
treasurer of the state of Connecticut ; he died in 1818. 

Hutchinson, Thomas, governor of Massachusetts; odi- 
ous for his arbitrary conduct; published a history of 
Massachusetts, &c.; he died in England, in 1780. 

Hutchinson, Ann, an artful woman, in Massachusetts, 



310 

whose religious opinions were heretical, and were con- 
demned by a council of ministers ; she was banished 
from the colony, and murdered by the Indians west of 
New Haven, 1G43. 

I. 

Irvine, William, a major general in the American 
service during the revolution, a member of congress 
from Pennsylvania ; he died in 1804. 

Irving, Washington, was born in the city of New 
York about 1783. He is at the present time one of the 
most distinguished American authors. In 1810 he pub- 
lished " Knickerbockers History of New York," which 
established his fame; since that time, he has added to 
his literary reputation by several volumes under the 
titles of "The Sketch Book," " Bracebridge Hall," 
" Tales of a Traveller," &c. 

J. 

Jackson, Andrew, was born in the (then) Wraxaw 
settlement. South Carolina, in 1767, and is of Irish de- 
scent. He engaged in the service of his country at the 
age of fourteen, and was wounded and taken prisoner. 
After his release, he applied himself to the study and 
practice of law. At the commencement of the last war 
with Great Britain, he was major general of the Ten- 
nessee militia, and has rendered his name memorable by 
his brave defence of New Orleans, on the 8th of .January, 
1815. On the 4th of March, 1829, he was inducted into 
the office of president of the United States, and has since 
been re-elected. 

Jay, John, was born in the city of New York', in 1 745 ; 
he was a member of the first American congress, in 1774, 
and was president of that bodj^ in 1776. In 1778 he 
was minister plenipotentiary to Spain, and was one of 
the commissioners to negotiate a peace with Great Bri- 
tain, at the close of the revolution. As an envoy ex- 
traordinary to Great Britain, he negotiated and signed 
the treaty which bears his name ; afterwards he was 
ejected governor of the state of New York, in 1795; 



311 

this office he held till 1807, when he declined a re- 
election, and retired to his farm in Bedford, N. Y., where 
he died on the 17th of May, 1829. 

Jefferson, Thomas, Avas born in Chesterfield county, 
Va., Oct. 2, 1743, and was educated at William and 
Mary college. He was a distinguished member of the 
Virginia legislature, in 17G9, and at the eve of the 
American revolution took a bold and decided stand in 
favour of his country, in congress, of which he was a 
most conspicuous member. He drew up the celebrated 
declaration of American independence ; he served his 
country as a minister to Europe, and in 1801 was elected 
president of the United States. After serving in this 
capacity for eight j-ears, he withdrew from public life, 
and retired to Monticello. He was distinguished as a 
sound legislator and firm patriot, was a president of the 
American Philosophical Society, and a member of 
several literary societies, in Europe and America. He 
died on the 4th of July, 1826, on the fiftieth anniversary 
of American independence. 

Johnson, Sir William, superintendent of Indian affairs 
in the colony of New York, known for the uncommon 
influence and authority which he possessed over tliat 
people; he died in 1774. 

Jones, John Paul, a native of Scotland ; came to Ame- 
rica at the commencement of the revolution, and received 
a commission in the American nav^'. He was distin- 
guished for his desperate courage, valour, and success. 
After the peace, he was for a time in the service of 
Russia. He died at Paris in 1792. 

K 

Kalb, Baron do, was a German by birth, and was for 
a time a brigadier general in the French service. At 
the beginning of the American revolution he entered into 
the service of the Americans, and was promoted to the 
rank of major general. He was killed at the battle of 
Camden, in 1781, and a monument was ordered by con- 
gress to be erected to his memory. 

Kirkland, Samuel, a missionary among the Seneca 



312 

Indians for forty years; he died at Paris, New York, 
in -1808. 

Knox, Henry, a distinguished soldier of the revolution, 
was commander of the artillery until the captute oi 
Cornwallis, when he was made a major general. He was 
afterwards secretary of war, and died in 1810. 

Kosciusko, Thaddeus, a celebrated Polish general, 
was bred at Warsaw. In the American revolution he 
was aid-de-camp to Washington. He afterwards headed 
his countrymen in their resistance to Russian oppres- 
sion; but his efforts were unavailing; he was wounded 
and taken prisoner by the Russians, who treated him 
with great respect, and the Emperor Paul gave him an 
estate. He died in Switzerland, in 1817. There has 
been lately a monument erected to his memory at West 
Point, New York. 



Laidlie, Archibald, the first minister of the Dutch 
church in America, who officiated in the English lan- 
guage, was a native of Scotland, and had been four years 
a minister of the Dutch church of Flushing, in Zealand, 
when he received a call from New York. He arrived 
in America in the year 1764, and died at Red Hook, in 
the year 1778, during his exile from the city, occasioned 
by the revolutionary war. 

hanrens, Henry, a member of congress from South 
Carolina, and president of that body in 1777. He was 
appointed ambassador to Holland, but on his way thither 
he was taken prisoner by the British, and confined in 
the tower of London, and treated with great rigour, till 
1781. On his -liberation he went to France, and was 
one of the signers of the treaty with Great Britain. vHe 
died in Carolina, in 1792. 

Laurens, John, son of the preceding, a distinguished 
officer in the revolution. He was mortally wounded in 
a skirmish with the British, in South Carolina, 1782, at 
the age of twenty -seven years. 

Lafayette, Gilbert Mottier, Marquis de, born in the 
department of Haute Loire, France, 1757. Fired with 



313 

enthusiasm in the cause of liberty, lie embarked for Ame- 
rica in 1777, and entered the army as a volunteer; con- 
gress immediately gave him the commission of major 
general in the army of the United States, tie rendered 
important services to the American cause in various 
ways, and his name will ever be remembered with gra- 
titude by the American people. 

Lawrence, James, a captain in the United States navy, 
distinguished by his bravery and skill. He was mor- 
tally wounded in an action with the British frigate Shan- 
non, in 1813 

Leese, Anna, founder of the sect of Shakers, was bom 
in England. She was of low parentage, and of doubtful 
character. She first divulged her extraordinary preten- 
sions in 1770, assuming the ijame of the "elect lady," 
but being more generally denominated the " mother." 
She came to America, v.-ith five of her followers, in 1774, 
and settled near Alban}', N. Y. About the year 1780, 
she declared herself to bo the woman clothed with the 
.sun, &c. She died in 1734, and her sect has experienced 
a number of revolutions. 

Lcdvard, John, a native of Connecticut, and a dis- 
tinguished traveller. He was with Captain Cook in his 
last voyage, and witne-ssed his death. After suffering 
almost incredible hardships, in various paits of the world, 
in the course of his travels, he died at Cairo in 178^, 
while preparing for a journey into the interior of Africa. 

Lee, Charles, a native of Wales, an ofHcer in the Bri- 
tish army previous to the American revolution. In 1773 
he came to Virginia, and was Jippoiiitcd major general 
in the American army. In this capacity he rendered 
important services to the American cause; but l)eing 
censured and suspended for disobedience of orders, he 
retired to private life, and died from chagrin and mor- 
tification, about 1782. 

Lee, Richard Henry, a distinguished patriot of the re- 
volution, a member of congress from Virginia in 1776, and 
first proposed to that body the declaration of independence 
He was afterwards president of congress, and a senator of 
congress under the federal constitution. He died in 1794. 
27 



314 

hogan, James, distinguished for his learning, was 
born at Liengan, in Ireland, in 1674. As he was edu- 
cated in the sentiments of the Quakers, and was ac- 
quainted with William Penn, he was induced to accom- 
pany that gentleman to Pennsylvania, in 1699, in his 
last voyage ; under his patronage, he was much employed 
in public afiairs. He died in 1751. 

Lincoln, Benjamin, a major general in the American 
army during the revolution. His services were con- 
spicuous during the war. While commander of the 
American army in the soutliern states, he was taken 
prisoner at Charleston. Being exchanged, he shared in 
the siege of Yorktown, and was the officer appointed to 
receive the submission of Cornwallis. After the war he 
filled various public offices, and died in 1810. 

Livingston, Brockholst, an eminent lawyer of New 
York, was in the army during a part of the time of the 
revolution, and was at the capture of Burgoyne. He 
was a judge of the supreme court of New York, and 
afterwards of the United States, until his death in 1823. 

Livingston, Robert R., was one of the committee who 
drew up the declaration of independence. In 1780 he 
was appointed secretary for foreign affairs. He was 
afterwards chancellor of the state of New York, and 
minister from the United States to France. He assisted 
Mr: Fulton, by supplying him with funds to enable him 
to carry his discoveries into effect. He died in 1813. 

M. 

M'Kean, Thomas, LL. D., a distinguished actor in 
the American revolution, one of the signers of the de- 
claration of independence, president of congress, and 
governor of Pennsylvania : he died in 1817. 

Madison, James, a native of Virginia. He commenced 
his public life at the close of the revolution. He assisted 
in the formation of the national constitution, and ranked 
high among the luminaries of the day. He was ap- 
pointed secretary of state under Mr. Jefferson, and was 
elected president of the United States, in which office hu 
continued for eight years. In the various offices he has 



315 

tilled, he has displayed much talent as a statesman and 
logician. 

Marshall, John, a native of Virginia, born about the 
year. 175G, and received a liberal education. He shared 
in the dangers and fatigues of the American army 
daring the revolution, and was under the immediaic 
command of Washington. He was envoy to France, 
secretary of state, and chief justice of the United State.^, 
which office he has filled with dignity and reputation. 
He is likewise celebrated as a biographer of Washing- 
ton, whose life he published in five volumes, 8vo. 

Marion, Francis, an active, bold, and successful par- 
tisan officer of the revolution, in the southern states. 
He received the thanks of Congress for his bravery 
and usefulness to the American cause, and was promoted 
to the rank of brigadier general. He died iu Soiifh 
Carolina, in 1795. 

Mather, Increase, D. D., a clergyman of Boston, and 
afterwards president of Harvard College, and author of 
several works. He died in 1723. 

Mather, Cotton, D. D. F. R. S., son of the preceding, 
distinguished for his great learning and piety, and was 
the most eminent clergyman of his day in New England. 
His writings on various subjects were very numerous^. 
He died at Boston, in 1727. 

Mnyhew, Thomas, governor of Martha's Vineyard, and 
was distinguished for his regard for the spiritual and 
temporal wellare of the Indians. He died in 1G81. A 
number of his descendants, of his name, were distin- 
guished for their ministerial labours among the Indians 
on Martha's Vineyard. 

Mercer, Hugh, a brigadier general in the revolutionary 
war. was a native of Scotland, and after his arrival in 
America, he served with Washington in the war against 
the French and Indians, which terminated in 1763, and 
was greatly esteemed by him. He engaged zealously in 
support of the liberties of his adopted country. In the 
battle near Princeton, Januarys, 1777, he received three 
wounds, of which he died, January 19th. 

MiJJIin, Thomas, a major general in the American 



316 

army, and governor of Pennsylvania, was born about 
the year 1744, of parents who were quakers. He was 
amember of the first congress in 1774. He took arms, 
and was among the first officers commissioned on the 
organization of the continental army, being appointed 
qnarter-master general, in August, 1765. For this offence 
he was read out of the society of Quakers. He died at 
Lancaster, January 20th, 1800. 

Mills, Samuel J., an American clergyman, distin- 
guished for his piety and zeal in promoting the mis- 
sionary cause. He died in 1818, on his return from 
Africa, whither he had gone as an agent of the American 
colonization society. 

Montgomery, Richard, a native of Ireland, born in 
1737. At the commencement of the American revolu- 
tion, he was appointed a major general in the army 
destined for the conquest of Canada. He was killed in 
an attack on Quebec, in 1775. 

Monros, James, the fifth president of the United States, 
was born in Virginia, in 1759. Ardently devoted to his 
country, he took part in the revolutionary war, when a 
youth, and his undaunted courage was evinced on more 
than one occasion. He was a member of the old con- 
gress, and assisted in the formation of the constitution. 
He died at the house of a relative, in the city of New 
York, on the 4th of July, 1831. One hundred thousand 
persons assembled at his funeral. 

Morgan, Daniel, a distinguished officer in the Ame- 
rican army during the revolution. His services were 
liighly important, and duly appreciated by his country- 
men. He was appointed a brigadier general. He died 
m 1799. 

Morris, Robert, an eminent merchant in Philadelphia, 
a member of congress, one of the signers of the declara- 
tion of independence, and an able financier. He was 
appointed treasurer of the United States, and during three 
years of the revolution, rendered important services to 
his country by his skill as a financier, in sustaining the 
public credit. He died in 1806. 

Morion, Nathaniel, one of the early settlers in Ply- 



sir 

mouth, author of " New England's Memorial," published 
in 16G9. 

Moultrie, William, a major general in the American 
army during the war of the revolution, and afterwards 
governor of South Carolina. He died in 1805. 

N. 

Nash, Francis, of North Carolina, a brigadier general 
in the American army during the revolution. He was 
killed at the battle of Germantown, in 1777. 

Nelson, Thomas, a distinguished patriot of the revolu- 
tion, and governor of Virginia. He died in 1789. 

Norris, John, a merchant of Salem, Mass., distin- 
guished as one of the founders and a liberal benefactor 
of the theological institution at Andover, Mass. 

o, 

Occum, Sampson, a Mohegan Indian, converted to 
Christianity, and became a missionary among the western 
Indians; died hi 1792. 

Oglethorpe, James, an able British general and phi- 
lanthropist. He was the founder of the state of Georgia. 
He died in England, in 1785, aged 97 years. 

Osgood, Samuel, an officer in the American army 
during the revolution, and member of congress from 
Massachusetts, and post master general of the United 
States. He died in 1812. 

Otis, James, of Boston, Massachusetts, a distinguished 
lawyer, author of political tracts, a zealous and active 
patriot of the revolution. He became insane several 
years before his death, and was killed by lightning in 
1783. It is singular that he had often wished thus to die. 

P. 

Palnc, Thomas, a political Avriter, born in England, 
in 1737, and bred a stay-maker. Coming to America, 
he published a number of pamphlets, which had a pow- 
erful elfect in favour of the American cause ; particular- 
ly that entitled " Common Sense." He went to London 
in 1790, and published "The Rights of Man." To 
27* 



318 

avoid a prosecution, he went to France, and was chosen 
a member of the national assembly. He returned to 
the United States, where he debased himself by his de- 
istical Avritings. He died in New York, in 1809. 

Paine, Robert Treat, LL. D., a distinguished lawyer 
of Massachusetts, and one of the signers of the declara- 
tion of independence. He died in 1814. His son, of 
the same name, was a distinguished poet, born in 1773, 
and died in 1811. 

Penn, William, the founder and legislator of the co- 
lony of Pennsylvania, was born in London, in 1644. 
He was a member of the society of Quakers, or Friends, 
and became a preacher of that order at the age of twen- 
ty-four. He died in England in 1718. i 

Pepperell, Sir William, a native of Maine. He com- | 
manded the expedition against Louisburgh, which result- ] 
ed in the capture of that important fortress. He died in j 
1759. 

Perry, Oliver Hazard, a native of Rhode Island, a j 
captain in the American navy, distinguished for his vie- ' 
tory over the British fleet on Lake Erie. He died in ! 
1820. 

Philip, an Indian sachem, or king, celebrated for the { 
bloody war he waged with the early settlers of New 
England. He was killed in 1676, and the Indian pow- 
er in New England was effectually destroyed. 

Phipps, Sir AVilliam, governor of the colony of Mas- ; 
sachusetts, was born of obscure parentage in 1650. He i 
was knighted for his success in obtaining a large amount j 
fi'om a Spanish wreck. He died in 1695. 

Pike, Zebuion Montgomery, a brigadier-general of the ' 
U. S. army, was killed at York, in Upper Canada, in i 
1813, in an attack on that place. 

Preble, Edward, commodore in the American navy, was ; 
born in Falmouth, now Portland, Maine, in August, 1761. ) 
His father was a brigadier general. In his youth, he j 
became a mariner on board a merchant vessel. In 1803 
he was appointed commodore, with a squadron of seven ) 
sail, and soon made his passage to the Mediterranean, 
with the design of humbling the Tripolitan barbarians ; 



319 

such was his success, that a peace was afterwards ob- 
tained on honourable terms. He died August 25, 1807. 

Prince, Thomas, an eminent American clergyman, 
settled at Boston ; he was autlior of a chronological his- 
tory of New England, and made large collections for a 
history of the country. He died in 1758. 

Putnam, Israel, of Connecticut, a major-general in 
the American army during the revolution. He was emi- 
nently distinguished for his daring courage and intre- 
pidity, both in the French and revolutionary wars. He 
died in 1790. 

Pulaski, Count, a distinguished Polish officer, who 
nobly offered his services to the United States, and was 
appointed a brigadier-general in the army of the United 
States. He was mortally wounded in an assault on Sa- 
vannah, in 1779. 

a. 

Quincy, Josiah, an eminent lawyer of Massachusetts, 
distinguished for his zeal in supporting the rights of the 
American colonies. He died in 1775. 

R. 

Randolph, Peyton, of Virginia, an eminent lawyer, 
and the first president of the American congress in 
1774, died suddenly, in Philadelphia, in 1775, aged 52 
years. 

Ramsay, David, M. D., an eminent physician, histo- 
rian, and statesman, from South Carolina. He was dis- 
tinguished for his patriotism in the revolution, and his 
writings in after life. He was the author of a " History 
of the American Revolution," a " Life of Washington," 
and several other valuable works. He died in 1815. 

Rasles, or Ralle, Sebastian, a French Jesuit, who was 
a missionary among the Indians, and acquired great in- 
fluence over them. The last twenty-six years of his life 
he spent among the Indians at Norridgewock, on the 
Kennebec river. He was a man of learning, and wrote 
" A Dictionary of the Indian Language," which is still 
preserved in Harvard college. He was killed in an at- 



320 

tack of the English in 1724, in the sixty-seventh year of 
his age. 

Reed, Joseph, a firm patriot of the revoUition, an aid 
to Washington, and afterwards an adjutant general in 
the army.. He died in 1781. 

Rittenhouse, David, an American philosopher, who, 
in the early part of his life, mingled the pursuits of 
science with the employments of a farmer and watch- 
maker. He constructed an observatory which he super- 
intended in person, and which was a source of many 
important discoveries. He succeeded Dr. Franklin in 
the office of president of the philosophical society, and 
died in 1796, aged 64. 

Rush, Benjamin, M. D., LL. D., a distinguished phy- 
sician and statesman. He was a member of congress 
in 1776, and a signer of the declaration of independence. 
His writings, particularly those on professional subjects, 
have acquired him great reputation at home and abroad. 
He died at Philadelphia in 1S13. 

Rutledge, Edward, was an eminent patriot, a signer 
of the declaration of independence, and afterwards go- 
vernor of South Carolina. He died in 1800. 

S. \ 

Saint Clair, Arthur a native of Scotland. In 1755, 
he came to America, and at the commencement of the 
revolution joined the American cause, and was succes- 
sively appointed a brigadier and major-general in the 
American army, which he served with reputation and 
success. He was afterwards president of congress, and ' 
governor of the territory north west of the Ohio. 

Schuyler, Peter, distinguished for his patriotism and 
services to the colony of New York. He had great in- 
fluence over the five nations of Indians, was mayor of 
the city of Albany, and in 1709, he being the oldest 
member of the council, held the chief command of the 
colony. 

Schuyler, Philip, a major general in the American 
army during the revolution, and a senator of the United 
States from the state of New York, He died in 1804. 



321 

Seaburi/, Samuel, D. D., an episcopal clergyman, 
bishop of Connecticut, and the first diocesan in the Uni- 
ted States. He died in 1796. 

Sherman, Roger, a signer of the declaration of inde- 
pendence, and senator of the United States, was born at 
Newton, Massachusetts, April 19, 1721. He was not 
favoured with a public education, nor did he enjoy the 
assistance of a private tutor. But his genius and inde- 
fatigable industry enabled him to surmount difficulties, 
and to make great acquisitions. He removed to New 
Haven in 1761, and died in 1793. 

Smallwood, AVilliam, a brigadier general in the Ame- 
rican army, and afteruards governor of the state of Ma- 
ryland ; died in 1792. 

Smith, John, one of the first settlers of Virginia, and 
for a time at the head of the colony; distinguished for 
his adventures and bravery as a soldier; died in 1631. 

Standish, Miles, the hero of New England, was born 
in Lancashire, about the year 1584. After having been 
for some time in the army in the Netherlands, he settled 
with Mr. Robinson's congregation at Loyden. Though 
not a member of the church, be embarked with the first 
company that came to New England, in 1620, and was 
chosen captain or chief military commander at Ply- 
mouth. In every hazardous enterprise, he was foremost. 
Mr. Hubbard says of him, " a little chimney is soon 
fired ; so was the Plymouth captain ; a man of very 
small stature, yet of a very hot and angry temper. He 
had been bred a soldier in the low countries, and never 
entered into the school of Christ, or of John the baptist." 
It does not appear, however, that in his military expedi- 
tions he e.xcceded his orders. He died in 1656. 

Stark, John, of Vermont, a cfcneral in the American 
army during the revolution, distinguished for his impor- 
tant services in the war. He died in 1822, aged 94. 

Stevbfn, Frederic William, Baron de, an aid-de-camp 
of Frederic the Great of Prussia, his native country, 
volunteered his services in the cause of American free- 
dom. He was appointed major general in the American 
sarmy. His knowledge of military tactics rendered him 



322 

highly serviceable to the army. He died at Steubens- 
ville, N. Y., in 1794. 

Stiles, Ezra, D. D., president of Yale college, was 
born in 1727. He was one of the most learned men of 
•whom this country can boast, and celebrated for his anti- 
quarian researches. He died in 179.5. 

Stuyvesanf, Peter, the last Dutch governor of New 
York, began his administration in 1647. He was con- 
tinually employed in resi.sting the encroachments of the 
English and Swedes upon the territory intrusted to 
him. 

Sullivan, John, LL.D., a distinguished patriot; a major 
general in the American army during the revolution, and 
afterwards a member of congress, and governor of Mas- 
sachusetts. His services were numerous and important ; 
he died in 1795. 

T. 

Thompson, Benjamin, Count Rumford, was born in 
New Hampshire, became a colonel in the British army, 
and received the honour of knighthood. He was a lieu- 
tenant general in the Bavarian service, and a count of the 
Holy Roman Empire, and also a member of many scien- 
tific societies, and was celebrated for his mechanical in- 
ventions and philosophical discoveries. He died near 
Paris in 1814. 

Thom-pson, Charles, of Pennsylvania, a patriot of the 
revolution, and secretary of the continental congress. 

Teciimseh, a celebrated Indian warrior, killed on the 
frontiers of Canada, October, 1813. 

Trumbull, Jonathan, a distinguished patriot of the re- 
volution, an eminent lawyer, and governor of Connecti- 
cut. He died in 1785. His son, of the same name, was 
aid and secretary to Gen. Washington. 

Trumbull, John, author of " M'Fingal," was born in 
Watertown, Connecticut, in 1750. He took a lively in- 
terest in the American revolution, and was a contributor 
to the political papers of the day. He died in 1831. 

Truxion, Thomas, an American naval officer, born on 
Long Island in 1755, and was distinguished for his ser- 



323 

vices in the revolution, and afterwards in the war with 
France. He died in 1822. 

u. 

Uncas, a Mohegan sachem in Connecticut, distinguish- 
ed for his friendship to the settlers of that colony. 

V. 

Vale, Sir Henry, governor of Massachusetts, was born 
in England, and educated at Oxford. He then went to Ge- 
neva, where he became a republican, and found argu- 
ments against the established church. On his return to 
London, as his non-conformity displeased the bishop, he 
came to New England in the beginning of 1635. In 
the next year, though he was only twenty-four years of 
age, he was chosen governor; but attaching himself to 
the party of Mrs. Hutchinson, he was, in 1637, superce- 
ded by Governor Winthrop. He soon returned to Eng- 
land, where he joined the party against the king, though 
he was opposed to the usurpation of Cromwell. After 
the restoration, he was tried for high treason, and be- 
headed, June 14, 1662. 

Varnum, James Mitchell, a brigadier general in the 
American army of the revolution, and afterwards a judge 
of the north west territory of the United States. He 
died at Marietta, Ohio, in 1789. 

Vaudreuil, Marquis de, governor of Canada, received 
the government of Montreal in 1689, and in 1700 he 
succeeded to the government of the whole province of 
(y'anada. He continued in this office till his death in 
172.1 

w. 

Wadnnorth, Jeremiah, of Connecticut, an active and 
■cnerGfetic officer of the American revolution, and a mem- 
ber of congress. He died about 1804. 

Walton, George, of Georgia, a distinguished patriot 
lof the revolution, and one of tjie signers of the declara- 
tion of independence: chief justice and governor of 
Georgia. He died in 1804. 



324 

Ward, Artemas, a member of Congress in 1774, and 
one of the oldest major generals in the American army 
during the revolution. He died in 1800. 

Warren, Joseph, a physician of Boston, a distinguish- 
ed patriot, revered for his services. He was appointed 
major general in the American army, and was killed at 
the battle of Bunker's Hill, in the 35th year of his age. 

Washington, George, born in Westmoreland county, 
Virginia, Feb. 22, 1732; died Dec. 14th, 1799.— " The 
first in war, the first in peace, and th^ first in the hearts 
of his countrymen." 

Wayne, Anthony, of Pennsylvania, a major general 
in the American army during the revolution, distinguish- 
ed for his important services in the revolution, and in the 
Indian war in Ohio. He died at Presque Island, in Lake 
Erie, in 1796. 

West, Benjamin, an eminent painter, born of Quaker i 
parents, in Pennsylvania, in 1738. He went to England, ; 
and became president of the Royal Academy of London, i 
and died in 1820. 

Wkedock, John, LL. D., an officer in the American 
army in the revolution, and afterwards president of Dart- ; 
mouth college. He died in 1817. i 

Whitney, Eli, inventor of the Cotton Gin, Avas born at : 
Westborough, Worcester count3^ Massachusetts, Decem- 
ber 8, 1765. His mechanical genius displayed itself at > 
a very early age. At the age of nineteen, he conceived | 
the idea of obtaining a liberal education, but was unable : 
to obtain the consent of his father, until he had reached ! 
the age of twenty-three years, when, partly by the avails j 
of his manual labour, and partly by teaching a village j 
school, he obtained the means to enter the freshman class ' 
in Yale College, New Haven, Conn., in May, 1789. Soon ' 
after he took his degree, in 1792, he entered into an en- I 
gagement as a private tutor to the family of a gentleman . 
in Georgia ; having arrived in this state, he found that ; 
another teacher had been employed; he was, however, 
hospitably received by the family of Gen. Greene, where ' 
he commenced the study of law. While here, he becama j 
acquainted with the diiiiculty the planters lay under, in , 



325 

furnishing cotton for market, on account of the labour of 
separating the cotton from, its seed. Separating a pound 
of the clean staple from the seed was a day's work for a 
woman. A new turn was given to Mr. Whitney's pur- 
suits; he soon invented and completed a model of a ma- 
chine, " by which more cotton could be separated from 
the seed in one day, by the labour of one hand, than 
could be done in the usual manner in the space of many 
months." Of such immense importance was this machine 
to the cotton planters, that the populace broke open the 
building by night, and carried off his machine. In this 
way, the public became acquainted with the invention be- 
fore Mr. Whitney could complete his model, and secure 
a patent. After encountering a variety of obstacles, he 
completed his machine and obtained a patent; but such 
were the obstructions thrown in the way of his obtaining 
his just rights, that he eventually derived but little pecu- 
niary profit from his invention. About the year 1800, 
Mr. Whitney turned his attention to the manufacture of 
fire arms for the United States, and erected an armory 
near New Haven, Conn. Many parts of the machinery 
were his own invention. By this business, in a few years, 
he became independent in his circumstances. He died 
at New Haven, on the 8th of Jan. 1825. 

Williams, Samuel, LL. D., author of a " History of 
'Vermont," and a " History of the American Revolution " 
i He died in 1817. 

Williams, Ephraim, an officer in the American army, 
and was killed in a skirmish in the French war in 1755. 
He was the founder of Williams college in Massachu- 
setts. 

Williams, Roger, one of the early settlers of New 
England, and founder of the colony of Rhode Island. 
Fie was an eminent and learned clergyman, and died in 
111383. 

Wilson, James, LL. D., of Pennsylvania, an eminent 
lawyer, and a signer of the declaration of independence : 
I afterwards a judge of the supreme court of the United 
States, and a professor of law in the University of Penn- 
sylvania. He died in 1798. 
28 



326 

Winchester, Elhanan, an itinerant preacher of flit 
doctrine of universal restoration, was born in Brookline, 
Mass., in 1751. In 1778, he was a baptist minister, on 
Pedee river, South Carolina, zealously teaching the Cal- 
vanistic doctrines as explained by Dr. Ciill. In 1781, he 
became a preacher of universal salvation in Philadelphia.; 
He preached in various parts of America and England,| 
and died in Hartford, Conn., in 1797. 

Withcrspoon, John, U.D., LL. D., a native of Scotland,-' 
and came to America in 1768, and became president of 
Princeton college. He was sent a delegate to congress, 
and signed the declaration of independence. He died in 
1794. 

Wolcott, Oliver, LL. D., a distinguished patriot of thej 
revolution, and a signer of the declaration of independence,! 
and governor of Connecticut. He died in 1797. \ 

Wonsler, David, a major general of the militia of Con-i 
necticut, killed near Danbury, Conn., in 1777, in an in-l 
vasion of the British troops. j 

Wytke, George, of Virginia, an eminent la^\ye^ andj 
statesman, and an ardent patriot of the revolution, andj 
one of the signers of the declaration of independence. H« 
died in 1806. j 

Y. \ 

Yale, Elihu, a native of Connecticut, who amassed ai 
large fortune in the East Indies, and became the governor^ 
of the East India Company. He was a liberal benefac-j 
tor of the college at New Haven, Con., which bears his 
name. He died in 1721. 



327 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

Signed on the ith ofJuh), 1776, bi/ a Congress of Dele- 
gates, assembled at Philadelphia, from the States of 
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Con- 
necticut, Neio York, New Jersey, Pennsi/lvama, Dela- 
ware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South 
Carolina, and Georgia. 



When, in the course of human events, it becomes ne- 

I cessary for one people- to dissolve the political bonds 
which have connected them with another, and to assume 
among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal 
station to Avhich the laws of nature and of nature's God 
entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of m.ankind, 

■ requires that they should declare the causes which impel 

' them to the separation. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident — that all men 
are created equal ; that they are endowed by their Crea- 
tor with certain unalienable ricrhts ; that among these are 
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure 
these rights, governments are instituted among men, de- 
riving their just powers from the consent of the governed; 

: that whenever any form of government becomes destruc- 
tive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or 
to abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying 

• its foundation on such principles, and organizing its 
[powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely 

to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, 

• will dictate, that governments long established, should 
! not be changed for light and transient causes ; and, ac- 



328 

cordingly, all experience hath shown, that mankind are ] 
most disposed to suffer, while evils are suffc-rable, than 
to right tlicmselvcs by abolishing the forms to which 
they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses 
and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, 
evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, 
it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such govern- 
ment, and to provide new guards for their future security. 
Such has been the patient suflerance of these colonies ; 
and such is now the necessity which constrains them to 
alter their former system of government. The history 
of the present king of Great Britain, is a history of re- 
peated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct 
object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these 
States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid 
world. 

He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome 
and necessary for the public good. 

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of imme- 
diate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their 
operations till his assent should be obtained ; and when 
so suspended ; he has utterly neglected to attend to them. 

He has refused to pass other laws, for the accommoda- 
tion of large districts of people, unless those people would 
relinquish the right of representation in the legislature — ■ 
a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants 
only. 

He has called together legislative bodies, at places un- 
usual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of 
their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing 
them into compliance with his measures. 

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for 
opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights 
of the people. 

He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions, 
to cause others to be elected ; whereby the legislative 
powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to thi 
people at large, for their exercise ; the State remaining 
in the mean time, exposed to all the danger of invasion 
from without, and convulsions within. 



He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these 
States; for that purpose obstructing the laws for the na- 
turalization of foreigners ; refusing to pass others to 
encourage their migration hither, and raising the con- 
dition of new appropriations of lands. 

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by 
refusing his assent to laws for establishing Judiciary 
Powers. 

He has made judges dependent on his will alone for 
the, tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment 
of their salaries. 

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent 
hither swarms of officers, to harass our people and eat 
out their substance. 

. He has kept among us, in time of peace, standing 
armies, without the consent of our legislature. 

He has effected to render the military independent of, 
and superior to, the civil power. 

He has combined with others to subject us to a juris- 
diction, foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged 
by our laws ; giving his assent to their acts of pretended 
legislation. 

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among 
us : 

For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punish- 
ment for any murders which they should commit on the 
inhabitants of these States: 

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the 
world : 

For imposing taxes on us without our consent : 

For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial 

For transporting us beyond seas, to be tried for pre- 
' tended offences : 

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a 

I neighbouring province, establishing therein an arbitrary 

government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render 

it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing 

the same absolute rule into these colonies : 

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most 
28* 



330 

valuable laws, and altering- fundamentally the forms of 
our governments ; 

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring 
themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all 
cases whatsoever. 

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us 
out of his protection, and waging war against us. 

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt 
our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. 

He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign 
mercenaries to complete the work of death, desolation, 
and tyranny, already begun, with circumstances of cruelty 
and perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous 
aires, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. 

He has constrained our fellow citizens, taken captive 
on the high seas, to bear arms against their country, to 
become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or 
iall themselves by their hands. 

He has excited domestic insurrection amongst us, and 
has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our fron- 
tiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of 
warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, 
sexes, and conditions. 

In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned 
for redress in the most humble terms ; our repeated peti- 
tions have been answered only by repeated injury. A 
prince whose character is thus marked by every act 
which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a 
free people. 

Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British 
brethren. We have warned them from time to time, of 
attempts made by their Legislature to extend an unwar- 
rantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them 
of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement 
here. We have appealed to their native justice and mag- 
nanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our 
common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which 
would inevitably interrupt our connexion and correspon- 
dence. They, too, have been deaf to the voice of justice 
and consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the 



331 

necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them, 
as we hold the rest of mankind — enemies in war — in 
peace, friends. 

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States 
of America, in Congress assembled, appealing to the Su- 
preme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our inten- 
tions. Do in the name, and by the authority of the good 
People of these Colonies, solemnly declare, that these 
United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and in- 
dependent States. — That they are absolved from all alle- 
giance to the British Crown, and that all political con- 
nexion between them and the State of Great Britain, 
is, and ought to be, totally dissolved ; and that as free and 
independent States, they have full power to levy war, con- 
clude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to 
do all other crcts and things which Independent States may 
of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, 
with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Provi- 
dence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our 
fortunes, and our sacred honour. 



CONSTITUTION 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

Framed during the year 1787, by a Convention of Dele- 
gales vho met at Philadelphia, from the States of 
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New 
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Mary- 
land, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and 
Georgia. 

We, the people of the United States, in order to form 
a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic 
tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote 
the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty 



332 

to ourselves nnd our posterity, do ordain and establish 
this CONSTll'UTlON for the United States of Ame- 



ARTICLE I. 

SECTION I. 

All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested 
in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist 
of a Senate and House of Representatives. 

SECTION II. 

I. The House of Representatives shall be composed 
of members chosen every second year by the people of 
the several States, and the electors in each stafe shall 
have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most 
numerous branch of the State Legislature. 

n. No person shall be a Representative who shall 
not have attained the age of twenty-five years, and been 
seven years a citizen of the United States, and who shall 
not when elected, be an inhabitant of that State in which 
he shall be chosen. 

ni. Representative and direct taxes shall be appor- 
tioned among the several States which may be included 
within this Union, according to their respective numbers, 
which shall be determined by adding to the whole num- i 
ber of free persons, including those bound to service for 
a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three 
fifths of all other persons. The actual enumeration 
shall be made within three years after the first meeting 
of the Congress of the United States, and within every 
subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they 
shall by law direct. The number of representatives 
shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, but each 
State shall have at least one representative ; and until 
such enumeration shall be made, the State of New 
Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachu- 
setts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 
one, Connecticut five, New York six. New Jersey four, 
Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Vir- 
ginia ten, North Carolina five. South Carolina five, and 
Georgia three. 



IV. When vacancies happen in the representation 
from any State, the executive authority thereof shall issue 
writs of election to fill such vacancies. 

V. The House of Representatives shall choose their 
Speaker, and other officers; and shall have the sole 
power of impeachment. 

SECTION III. 

I. The Senate of the United States shall be composed 
of two senators from each State, choSen by the legisla- 
ture thereof, for six years, and each senator shall have 
one vote. 

II. Immediately after they shall be assembled in con- 
sequence of the first election, they shall be divided as 
equally as may be into three classes, llie seats of the 
senators of the first class shall be vacated at the ex- 
piration of the second year, of the second class at the 
expiration of the fourth year, and of the third class at 
the expiration of the sixth year, so that one third may be 
chosen every second year ; and if vacancies happen by 
resignation or otherwise, during the recess of the legis- 
lature of any State, the executive thereof may make tem- 
porary appointments until the next meeting of the legis- 
lature, which shall then fill such vacancies. 

III. No person shall be a senator who shall not have 
attained the age of thirty years, and been nine years a 
citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when 
elected, be an inhabitant of that State for which he shall 
be chosen. 

IV. The Vice President of the United States shall be 
President of the Senate, but shall have no vote unless 
they be equally divided. 

V. The Senate shall choose their other officers, and 
also a President pro tempore in the absence of the Vice 
President, or Avhen he shall exercise the office of Presi- 
dent of the United States. 

VI. The Senate shall have the sole power to try all 
impeachments. When sitting for that purpose, they 
shall be on oath or affirmation. When the President of 
the United States is tried, the chief justice shall preside ; 



334 

and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence 
of two thirds of the members present. 

VII. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not ex- 
tend further than to removal from office, and disquali- 
fication to hold and enjoy any office of honour, trust, or 
profit, under the United States ; but the party convicted 
shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, 
trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law. 

SKCTION" IV. 

I. The limes, places and manner of holding elections 
for senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in 
each State by the legislature thereof; but the Congress 
may at any time by law make or alter such regulations, 
except as to the places of choosing senators. 

II. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every 
year, and such meeting shall be on the first Monday in 
December, unless they shall by law appoint a difl^erent 
day. 

SECTION V 

I. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, re- 
turns and qualifications of its own members, and a ma- 
jority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business ; 
but a smaller number may adjourn from daj'^ to day, and 
may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent 
members, in such manner, and under such penalties as { 
each house may provide. j 

II. Each house may determine the rules of its pro- j 
ceedings, punish its members for disorderly beha- J 
viour, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a i 
member. | 

III. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceed- I 
ings, and from time to lime publish the same, excepting J 
such parts as may in their judgment require secrecy; ] 
and the yeas and nays of the members of either house, on 
any question, shall, at the desire of one fifth of those t 
present, be entered on the journal. » 

IV. Neither house, during the session of Congress, ' 
shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more j 
than three days, nor to any other place than that in which i 
the two houses shall be sitting. 



SECTION VI. 

I. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a 
compensation for their servict-s, to be ascertained bylaw, 
and paid out of the treasury of the United States. They 
shall in all cases except treason, felony, and breach of 
the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attend- 
ance at the session of their respective houses, and in 
going to and returning from the same; and for any 
speech or debate in either house, they sliall not be ques- 
tioned in any other place. 

II. No Senator or Representative shall, during the 
time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil 
office under the authority of the United States, which 
shall have been created, or the emoluments whereo|' shall 
have been increased during such time; and no 
holding any office under the United States, shr 
member of either house during his continuance iij 

SECTION VII. 

I. All bills for raising revenue shall^Bf(frnate in the 
House of Representatives ; but the Senate may propose 
or concur with amendments as on other hills. 

II. Every bill which shall have passed the House of 
Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it becomes 
a law, be presented to the President of the United States; 
if he approve, lie shall sign it; but if not, he shall return 
it, with liis objections, to that house in which it shall have 
originated, who shall enter the objections at large on 
their journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If, after 
such reconsideration, two thirds of that house shall agree 
to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the ob- 
jections, to the other house, by which it shall lilcewise be 
reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that house, 
it shall become a law. But in all such cases, the votes 
of both iKHises shall be determined by yeas and nays, and 
the names of the persons voting for and against the bill, 
shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively. 
If any bill shall not be returned by the President within 
ten days, (Sundays excepted,) after it shall have been 
presented to him, the same shall be a law, in the like 
manner as if he' had signed it, unless the Congress by 



336 

their adjournment prevent its return, in which case it 
shall not be a law. 

III. Every order, resolution, or vote, to which the 
concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives 
may be necessary, (except on a question of adjournment,) 
shall be presented to the President of the United States ; 
and before the same shall take effect, shall be approved 
by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be re-passed 
by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in 
the case of a bill. 

SECTION VIII. 

TJtie Congress shall have power — 

I. To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises ; 



to pt^the debts, and provide for the common defence and 
gene%l welfare of the United States; but all duties, im- 
posts, atod excises, shall be uniform throughout the United 
States. \^ 

n. To baafroflv money on the credit of the United 
States. 

HI. To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and 
among the several States, and with the Indian tribes. 

IV. To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and 
uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies, throughout 
the United States. 

V. To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of 
foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and mea- 
sures. 

VI. To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting 
the securities and current coin of the United States. 

VII. To establish post offices and post roads. 

VIII. To promote the progress of science and usefiil 
arts, by securing, for limited times, to authors and invent- 
ors, tlie exclusive right to tlieir respective writings and 
discoveries. 

IX. To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme 
court. 

X. To define and punish piracies and felonies com- 
mitted on the high seas, and offences against the laws of 
nations. 



XI. To declare war, grant letters of marque and re- 
prisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and 
water. 

XII. To raise and support armies; but no appropria- 
tions of money for that use shall be for a longer term 
than two years. 

XIII. To provide and maintain a navy. 

XIV. To make rules for the government and regula- 
tion of the land and naval forces. 

XV. To provide for calling forth the militia to execute 
the laws of the union, suppress insurrection, and repel 
invasions. 

XVI. To provide for organizing, arming, and disci- 
plining the militia, and for governing such parts of them 
as may be employed in the service of the United States, 
reserving to the States respectively the appointment of the 
officers, and the authority of training the militia, accord- 
ing to the discipline pre.scribed by Congress. 

XVII. To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases 
whatsoever, over such district (not exceeding ten miles 
square) as may by cession of particular States, and the 
acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the govern- 
ment of the United States, and to exercise like authority 
over all places purchased by the consent of the legisla- 
ture of the State in which the same shall be, for the 
erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock-yards, and 
other needful buildings : and, 

XVIII. To make all the laws v.diich shall be neces- 
sary and proper for carrying into execution the forego- 
ing powers, and all otiier powers vested by this constitu- 
tion in the government of the United States, or in any 
department or oliice thereof 

SECTION IX. 

I. The migration or importation of such persons as 
any of the States now existing shall think proper to ad- 
mit, shall not be prohibited b}' the Congress prior to the 
year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax 

1 or duty may be imposed on such importation, not ex-*' 
■ ceeding ten dollars for each person. 

II. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall 

29 



338 

not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or 
invasion the public safety may require it. 

III. No bill of attainder or ex po.st facto law shall be 
passed. 

IV. No capitation, or other direct tax, shall be laid, un- 
less in proportion to the census of enumeration, herein 
before directed to be taken. | 

V. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported | 
from any State. No preference shall be given by any re- I 
gulation of commerce or revenue to the ports of one Siato 
over those of another ; nor shall vessels bound to or from ; 
one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in another. 

VI. No money shall be dra-\ATi from the treasury, but ' 
in consequence of appropriations made by law : and a 
regular statement and account of the receipts and expen- ^ 
ditures of all public money shall be published from time j 
to time. j 

VII. No title of nobility shall be granted by the Uni- 
ti^d States ; and no person holding any office of profit or | 
'rust under them, shall, without the consent of Congres?', ' 
accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of anv i 
Ivind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign State. I 

SECTION X. 

I. No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or con- , 
: -deration; grant letters of marque or reprisal; coin' 
money; emit bills of credit; make any thing but gold»i 
and silver coin a tender in payment of debts: pass anv i 
hill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the t 
obligation of contracts, or grant any thle of nobility. 

II. No State shall, without the consent of Congress, 
lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports, except 
what may be absolutely necessary for executing its in- 
;^pection laws; and the net produce of all duties and im- 
posts laid by any State on imports or exports, shall be for 
the use of the treasury of the United States, and all such 
laws shall be subject to the revision and control of Con- ■ 
gress. No State shall, without the consent of Congress, 
lay any duty on tonnage, keep troops, or ships of war, in 
time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with 
another State, or with a foreign power, or engage in war, 



339 

unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as 
will not admit of delay. 

ARTICLE II. 

SECTION I. 

I. The executive power shall be vested in a President 
t.if the United States of America. He shall hold his of- 
fice during the term of four years, and, together with 
the Vice President, chosen for the same term, be elected 
lis follows: — 

II. Each State shall appoint, in such manner as the 
legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal 
to the whole number of senators and representatives to 
which the State may be entitled in the Congress ; but no 
senator or representative, or person holding an ofRce of 
trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed 
an elector. 

III. The electors shall meet in their respective States, 
and vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least, 
shall not be an inhabitant of the same State with them- 
selves. And they shall make a list of all the persons 
voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which 
list they shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to 
the seat of government of 'the United States, directed to 
the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate 
shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Represent- 
atives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then 
be counted. The person having the greatest number of 
votes shall be the President, if such number be a majori- 
ty of the whole number of electors appointed ; and if 
there be more than one who have such majority, and 
have an equal number of votes, then the House of Repre- 
sentatives shall immediately choose by ballot one of them 
for President : and if no person have a majority, then 
from the five highest on the list the said House shall in 
like manner choose the President. But in choosing the 
President, the votes shall be taken by States, the repre- 
sentation from each State having one vote ; a quorum for 
this purpose shall consist of a member or members from 
two thirds of the States, and a maioritv of all the S'.'ites 



340 

shall be necessary for a choice. In every case after the 
choice of a President, the person having" the greatest 
number of votes of the electors shall be the Vice Presi- 
dent. But if there should remain two or more who have 
equal votes, the Senate shall choose I'rom them by ballot, 
the Vice President. 

IV. The Congress may determine the time of cho""'?- 
ing- the electors, and the day on which they shall give 
their votes ; which day shall be the same throughout the 
United States. 

V. No person except a natural born citizen, or a citi- 
zen of the United Stales at the time of the adoption of 
this constitution, shall be eligible to the office of Presi- 
dent, neither shall any person be eligible to that office 
who shall not have attained the age of thirty-five j'ears, 
and been fourteen years a resident of the United States. 

VI. In case of the removal of the President from of- 
fice, or of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge 
the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall 
devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by 
lav/ proA'ide for the case of the removal, death, resigna- 
tion, or inability, both of the President or "\^ice President, 
declaring what officer shall then act as President, and 
such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be 
removed, or a President shall be elected. 

VII. The President shall, at stated times, receive for 
his ser\'ices a compensation, which shall neither be in- 
creased nor diminished during the period for which h^' 
shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within 
that period, any other emolument from the United States, 
or any of them. 

VIII. Before he enter on the execution of hi^ office, 
he shall take the following oath or affirmation: 

" I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will .faithfully 
execute the office of President of the United States, and 
will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and de- 
fend the constitution of the United States." 

SECTION II. 

I. The President shall be commander-in-chief of the 
army and na\y of the United States, and of the mi- 



341 

litia of the several States, when called into the actual 
service of the United States ; he may require the opi- 
nion, in writing-, of the principal officer in each of the 
executive departments, upon any subject relating to the 
duties of their respective offices ; and he shall have the 
power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against 
the United States, except in cases of impeachment. 

II. He shall have power by and with the advice and 
consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two 
thirds of tlie Senators present concur ; and he shall no- 
minate, and, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate, appoint ambassadors, other public ministers, and 
consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all other offi- 
cers of the United States, whose appointments are not 
herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be estab- 
lished by law. But the Congress may by law vest the ap- 
pointment of such inferior officers, as they think proper, 
in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the 
heads of departments. 

III. The President shall have power to fill up all va- 
cancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, 
by granting commissions which shall expire at the end 
of their next session. 

SECTION III. 

1. He shall, from time to time, give to the Congress 
information of the state of the Union, and recommend to 
their consideration such measures as he shall judge ne- 
cessary and expedient ; he may, on extraordinary occa- 
sions, convene both houses, or either of them, and, in 
case of disagreement between them, with respect to the 
time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time 
as he shall think proper ; he shall receive ambassadors 
and other public ministers; he shall take care that the 
laws be faithfully executed ; and shall commission all 
the officers of the United States. 

SKCTIOX IV. 

I. The President, Vice President, and all civil officers 
of the United States, shall be removed from office, on im- 
peachment for. and conviction of, treason, bribery, or 
other high trimes and misdemeanors. 

2'J* 



342 



ARTICLE III. 

SECTION I. 

I. The judicial power of the United States shall be 
vested in one supreme court, and in such inferior courts 
as the congress may from time to time order and estab- 
lish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior 
courts, shall, hold their offices during good behaviour; 
and shall at stated times, receive for their services a com- 
pensation which shall not be diminished during their 
continuance in office. 

SECTION II. 

I. The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law 
and equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the 
United States, and treaties nriade, or which shall be made, 
under their authority ; to all cases of admiralty and ma- 
ritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the United 
States shall be a party ; to controversies betv.-een two 
or more States, between a State and citizens of another 
State, between citizens of different States, between citizens 
of the same State claiming lands under grants of different 
States, between a State, or the citizens thereof, and foreign 
States, citizens, or subjects. 

II. In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public 
ministers, and consuls, and those in which a State shall be 
a party, the supreme court shall have original jurisdic- 
tion. In all other cases before mentioned, the supreme 
court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and 
fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations, as 
the Congress shall make. 

III. The trial of all crimes, except in cases of im- 
peachment, shall be by jury; and such trials shall be 
held in the State where the said crimes shall have been 
committed ; but when not committed within any State the 
trial shall be at such place or places as the Congress may 
by law have directed. 

SECTION III. 

I. Treason against the United States shall consist only 
in levying war against them, or in adhering to their ene- 



343 

nues, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be 
convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two wit- 
nesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open 
court. 

II. The Congress shall have power to declare the 
punishment of treason; but no attainder of treason shall 
work corruption of blood or forfeiture, except during the 
life of the person attainted. 

ARTICLE IV. 

SECTION I. 

1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each S.tate, to 
the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every 
other State. And the Congress may, by general laws, 
prescribe the manner iii which such acts, records, and 
proceedings, shall be proved, and the effect thereof 

SECTION II. 

I. The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all 
privileges and immunities of citizens in the several 
States. 

II. A person charged, in any State, with treason, felony, 
or other crime, who shall flee from justice and be found 
in another State, shall, on demand of the executive autho- 
rity of the State from Avhich he is fled, be delivered up, 
to be removed to the State having jurisdiction of the 
crime. 

III. No person held to service or labour in one State, 
under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in 
consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharg- 
ed from such service or labour : but shall be delivered up 
on claim of the party to whom such service or labour 
may be due. 

SECTION in. 

I. New States may be admitted by the Congress into 
this Union ; but no new Stale shall be formed or erected ■ 
within the jurisdiction of any other State, nor any State be 
formed by the junction of two or more States, or parts of 
States, without the consent of the Legislatures of the 
States concerned, as well as of the Congress. 

II The Congress shall have power to dispose of and 



344 

make all needful rules and regulations respecting the 
territory or other property belonging to the United States; 
and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as 
to prejudice any claims of the United States, or of any 
particular State. 

SECTION IV. 

I. The United States shall guaranty to every State in 
the Union, a republican form of government, and shall pro- 
tect each of them against invasion ; and on application of 
the Legislature, or of the Executive, (when the Legislature 
cannot be convened,) against domestic violence. 
ARTICLE V. 

I. The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses 
shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this 
Constitution, or on the application of the Legislatures of 
two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention 
for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be 
valid to all intents and purposes, as a part of this Consti- 
tution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths 
of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths 
thereof^ as the one or the other mode of ratification may 
be proposed by the Congress : Provided, that no amendment 
which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight 
hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and 
fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article ; and 
that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of its 
equal suffrage in the Senate. 

ARTICLE VI. 

I. All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, 
before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid 
against the United States under this Constitution, as under 
the confederation. 

II. This Constitution, and the laws of the United States 
which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all trea- 
ties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of 
the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land ; 
and the judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any 
thing in the Constitution or laws of any State to the con- 
trary notwithstanding. 



345 

111. The Scnaiovs and Representatives before men- 
tioned, and the members of the several State Legislatures, 
and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United 
States and of the several States, shall be bound by oath or 
affirmation, to support this Constitution ; hut no religious 
test shall ever be required as a qualification to any oflice 
or public trust under the United States. 

ARTICLE VII. 

I. The ratifications of the Conventions of nine States, 
shall be sufficient for the establishment of this Constitution 
between the States so ratifying the same. 

Done m Convention by the unanimous consent of the 

States present, the seventeenth day of September, in the 

year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 

eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United 

States of America, the twelfth. In witness whereof, we 

have hereunto subscribed our names. 

New Hampshire. — John Langdon, Nicholas Gi'man. 

Massachusettts. — NatharJel Gorham, Rufus King. 

Connecticut. — William S. Johnson, Roger Sherman. 

New York. — Alexander Hamilton. 

New Jer.<5ev. — William Livingston, David Brearly, 
William Patterson, Jonathan Dayton. 

Pennsylvania. — Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, 
Robert Morris, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared 
Ingersol, James Wilson, Governeur Morris. 

Delaware. — George Read, Gunning Bedford, Jim., 
John Dickinson, Ivichard Bassett, Jacob Broom. 

Maryland. — James M'Henry, Daniel of St. Thomas 
Jenifer, Daniel Carroll. 

Virginia. — John Blair, James Madison, Junr. 

North Carolina. — William Blount, Richard Dobbs 
Spaight, Hugh Williamson. 

South Carolina. — John Rutledge, Charles C. Pinck- 
ncy. Pierce Butler. 

Georgia. — William Few, Abraham Baldwin. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON, President. 

William Jackson, Secretary. 



346 



AMENDMENTS 

TO THE 

CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Since the adoption of the foregoingf Constitution, the fol- 
lowing amendments have been made, and ratified by 
the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States 
in the Union. 

ARTICLE I. 

Congress shall make no law respecting the establish- 
ment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; 
or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press ; or 
the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to pe- 
tition the government for a redress of grievances. 

ARTICLE II. 

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security 
I if a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear 
arms shall not be infringed. 

ARTICLE III. 

No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any 
house, without the consent of the owner ; nor in time of 
Avar, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. 

ARTICLE IV. 

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, 
houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches 
and seizures, shall not be violated ; and no warrants shall 
issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirm- 
ation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, 
and the persons or things to be seized. 

ARTICLE V. 

No person shall be held to answer for a capital or 
otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or in- 
dictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the 
land and naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual 



347 

service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any 
person be subject, for the same offence, to be twice put in 
jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall be compelled, in any 
criminal case, to be a witness against himself; nor be de- 
prived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of 
lav,- ; nor shall private property be taken for public vise, 
Avithout due compensation. 

ARTICLE VI. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy 
the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial 
jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have 
been committed, (which district shall have been previously 
ascertained by law,) and to be informed of the nature and 
cause of the accusation ; and to be confronted with the 
witnesses against him ; to have compulsory process for 
obtaining witnesses in his favour, and to have the assist- 
ance of counsel for his defence. 

ARTICLE VII. 

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy 
shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury 
shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be 
otherwise re-e.xamined in any court of the United States, 
than according to the rules of the common law. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines 
imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. 

ARTICLE IX. 

The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights, 
.shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained 
by the people. 

ARTICLE X. 

The powers not delegated to the United States by the 
Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved 
to the Suites respectively, or to the per/pie. 

ARTICLE XI. 

The judicial power of the United States shall not be 
coni«trued to extend to any suit in law or ecpiity, com- 
menced or prosecuted against one of the United States, by 
citizens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of any 
foreign State. 



348 

ARTICLE XII. 

The electors shall meet in their respective States, and 
vote by ballot for President and Vice President, one ot" 
whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same 
State Avith themselves ; they shall name in their ballots the 
persons voted for as President, and in distinct ballots of all 
persons voted for as Vice President; and they shall make 
distinct lists for all persons voted for as President, and for 
all persons voted for as Vice President, and of the number 
of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, 
and transmit, sealed, to the seat of government of the 
United States, directed to the President of the Senate ; the 
President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate 
and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, 
and the votes shall then be counted : the person having 
the greatest number of votes for President shall be the Pre- 
sident, if such number be a majority of the whole number 
of electors appointed ; and if no person have such a ma- 
jority, then from the persons having the highest numbers, 
not exceeding three, on the list of those voted for as Pre- 
sident, the House of Representatives shall choose imme- 
diately, by ballot, the President. But in choosing the 
President, the votes shall be taken by States, the repre- 
sentatives from each State having one vote : a quorum for 
this purpose shall consist of a member or members from 
two thirds of the States, and a majority of all the States 
shall be necessaiy to a choice; and if the House of Re- 
j>resentatives shall not choose a President, whenever the 
right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth 
day of March next following, then the Vice President 
shall act as President, as in case of death, or ether con- 
stitutional disability of the President. 

The person having the greatest number of- votes as Vice 
President, shall be the Vice President, if such number bt* 
a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; and 
if no person have a majority, then from the two highest 
liurnbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice 
President ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of two 
thirds of the whole number of senators, and a majority of 
the whole number shall be necessary tc^ a choice. 



349 

But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of 
President, shall be eligible to that of Vice President of the 
United States. 

ARTICLE xm. 

If any citizen of the United States shall accept, claim, 
receive, or retain any title of nobility or honour, or shall, 
without the consent of Congress, accept and retain any 
present, pension, office, or emolument of any kind what- 
ever, from, any emperor, king, prince, or foreign power, 
such person shall cease to be a citizen of the United 
States, and shall be incapable of holding any office of 
trust or profit under them, or either of them. 

ARTICLE XIV. 

After the first enumeration required by the first article 
of the Constitution, there shall be one representative for 
every thirty thousand, until the number shall amount to 
one hundred, after which the proportion shall be so regu- 
lated by Congress, that there shall be not less than one 
hundred representatives, or less than one representative 
for every forty thousand persons, until the number of re- 
presentatives shall amount to two hundred, and after which 
the proportion shall be so regulated by Congress, that 
there shall not be less than two hundred representatives, 
nor more than ono representative for every fifty thousand 
persons. 

ARTICLE XV. 

No law, varying the compensation for the services of 
the senators and representatives, shall take effect, until an 
election of representatives shall have intervened. 
30 



350 



THE 

FAREWELL ADDRESS 

OF 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



Friends and Fellow-Citizens, 

The period for a new election of a citizen, to administer 
the executive government of the United States, being not 
far distant, and the time actually arrived, when your 
thoughts must be employed in designating the person who 
is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me 
proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct 
expression of the public voice, that I should now apprize 
you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being con- 
sidered among the number of those out of whom a choice 
13 to be made. I beg you, at the same time, to do me the 
justice to be assured, that this resolution l)as not been 
taken, without a strict regard to all the considerations 
appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen 
to his country; and that, in withdrawing the tender of 
.service which silence in my situation might imply, I am 
influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future in- 
terest ; no deficiency of grateful respect, for jttur past 
kindness ; but am supported by a full conviction that the 
step is compatible with both. 

2. The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the 
office to which your suffrages have twice called me, have 
been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of 
duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your de- 
sire. I constantly hoped, that it would have been much 
earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I 
was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement 



351 

from which I have been reluctantly drawn. The strength 
of iny inclination to do this, previous to the last election, 
had even led to the preparation of an address to declare 
it to you ; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and 
critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the 
<iiianimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, 
iajpcUed me to abandon the idea. 

3. I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external 
as well as. internal, no longer renders the pursuit of in- 
clination incompatible with the sentiment of duty, or 
propriety ; and am persuaded, whatever partiality may 
be retained for my services, that in the present circum- 
stances of our country, you will not disapprove my de- 
termination to retire. 

4. The impressions with which I first undertook the 
arduous trust, were explained on the proper occasion. 
In the discharge of this trust, I will only say, that I have, 
with good intentions, contributed towards the organiza- 
tion and administration of the government, the best exer- 
tions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not 
unconscious, in the outset, of the inferiority of my qualifi- 
cations, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in 
the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diffi- 
dence of myself: and, every day, the increasing weight 
of years admonishes me more and more that the shade 
of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. 
Satisfied that if any circumstances have given peculiar 
value to my services, they were temporary, I have the 
consolation to believe, that while choice and prudence 
invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not 
forbid it. 

5. In looking forward to the moment, which is intend- 
ed to terminate the career of my public life, my feelings 
do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment 
of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved 
country, for the many honours it has conferred upon me; 
still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has 
supported me ; and for the opportunities I have thence 
enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by ser- 
vices faithful and persevering, though jrj usefulness une* 



qual to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our coun- 
try from these services, let it always be remembered to 
your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals, 
that under circumstances in which the passions, agitated 
in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appear- 
ances sometimes dubious — vicissitudes of fortune often 
discouraging- — in situations in which not unfrequently 
want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism 
— the constancy of your support Avas the essential prop 
of the efforts, and the guarantee of the plans by which 
they were effected. 

6. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry 
il with me to my grave, as a strong incitemejit to unceas- 
ing vows that Heaven m.ay continue to you the choicest 
tokens of its benevolence — diat your union and brother- 
ly affection may be perpetual — that the free constitution, 
which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly m.ain- , 
tained — that its administration m every department may ' 
be stamped with v/isdom and virtue — that, in fine, the I 
happiness of the people of these states, under the auspi- | 
ces of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a pre- ( 
servation, and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will ■ 
acquire to them the glory of recommending it ta the ap- ; 
plause, the affection, and the adoption of every nation ,' 
which is yet a stranger to it. \ 

7. Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude 
for your welfare, which cannot end but with my life, and j 
the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude, 
urge me, on an occasion like the present, to offer to your , 
solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent 
review, some sentiments, which are the result of much » 
reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and Avhich f 
appear to me all important to the permanency of your ' 
felicity as a people. These will be offered to you with J 
the more freedom, as j^ou can only see in them the disinte- 1 
rested warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have ^ 
no personal motives to bias his counsel. Nor can I forget 1 
as an encouragement to it, your indulgent reception of i 
my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion. 
Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligamem ! 



353 

of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary 
to fortify or confirm the attachment. 

8. The unity of pfovernment which constitutes you one 
people is also now dear to you. It is justly so ; for it is 
a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the 
support of your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad ; 
of your safety ; of your prosperity ; of that very liberty 
which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee, 
that from different causes, and from different quarters, 
much pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to 
weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth ; as 
this is the point in your political fortress against which 
the batteries of internal and external enemies will be 
most constantly and actively (though often covertly and 
insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment, that you 
should properly estimate the immense value of your na- 
tional union, to your collective and individual happiness; 
that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, <and immove- 
able attachment to it ; accustoming yourselves to think and 
speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety 
and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous 
anxiety; discountenancing whatever may sui^gest even 
a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned ; and 
indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every 
attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the 
rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link toge- 
ther the various parts. 

0. For this you have every inducement of sympathy 
and interest. Citizens by birth or choice, of a common 
'country, that country has a right to concentrate your af- 
fections. The name of America, which belongs to you 
in your national capacit\-, must always exalt the just 
nride of patriotism, more than any appellation derived 
from local discriminations. With slight shades of differ- 
once, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and 
political principles. You have, in a common cause, fought 
and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you 
possess, are the work of joint councils, and joint efforts, 
of common dangers, sufferings, and successes. But 
these considerations, however powerfully they address 
30* 



354 

themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed 
by those which apply more immediately to your inte- 
rest — here every portion of our country finds the most 
commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserv- 
ing the union of the whole. 

10. The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with the 
South, protected by the equal laws of a common govern- 
ment, finds in the productions of the latter, great addi- 
tional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise, 
and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The 
South, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the agency 
of the North, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce 
expand. Tui-ning partly into its own channels the sea- 
men of the North, it finds its particular navigation invigo- 
rated ; and while it contributes, in different ways, to 
nourish and increase the general mass of the national 
navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a mari- 
time strength, to which itself is unequally adapted. The 
East, in a like intercourse with the West, already finds, 
and in the progressive improvement of interior commu- 
nications, by land and water, will more and more find, 
a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from 
abroad, or manufactures at home. The West derives 
from the East supplies requisite to its growth and com- 
fort ; and what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it 
must of necessity owe the secure enjoyment of indispen- 
sable outlets for its own productions, to the weight, influ- 
ence, and the future maritimxC strength of the Atlantic 
side of the Union, directed by an indissoluble commu- 
nity of interest as one nation'. Any other tenure by 
which the West can hold this essential advantage, whe- 
ther derived from its own separate strength, or from an 
apostate and unnatural connexion with any foreign pow- 
er, must be intrinsically precarious. 

11. While, then, every part of our country thus feels 
an immediate and particular interest in union, all the 
parties combined cannot fail to find, in the united mass of 
means and efTorts, greater strength, greater resources, pro- 
portionably greater security from external danger, a less 
frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations ; 



oO'O 

and, what is of inestimable value ! they must derive from 
union an exemption from those broils and wars between 
themselves, which so frequently afflict neighbouring coun- 
tries, not tied together by the same government; which 
their own rivalships alone would be sufficient to produce, 
but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments, and in- 
trigues, would stimulate and embitter. Hence, likewise, 
they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown military 
establishments, which, under any form of government, 
are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded 
as particularly hostile to republican liberty ; in this sense 
it is, that your union ought to be considered as a main 
prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought 
to endear to you the preservation of the other. 

12. These considerations speak a persuasive language 
to every reflecting and virtuous mind, and exhibit the 
continuance of the Union as a primarjr object of patriotic 
desire. Is there a doubt whether a common government 
can embrace so large a sphere ? Let experience solve it. 
To listen to mere speculation in such a case were crimi- 
nal. We are authorized to hope that a proper organiza- 
tion of the whole, with the auxiliary agency of govern- 
ment for the respective subdivisions, will afford a happy 
issue to the experiment. 'Tis well worth a fair and full 
experiment. With such powerful and obvious motives to 
union, affecting all parts of our country, while experience 
shall not have demonstrated its impracticability, there 
will always be reason to distrust the patriotism of those, 
who, in any quarter, may endeavour to weaken its bands. 

1 3. In contemplating the causes which may disturb our 
Union, it occurs as a matter of serious concern, that any 
ground should have been furnished for characterizing 
parties by geographical discriminations — northern and 
southern — Atlantic and rccstern ; whence designing men 
may endeavour to excite a belief that there is a real dif- 
ference of local interests and views. One cf the expedi- 
ents of party to acquire influence within particular dis- 
tricts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other 
districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against 
the jealousies and heart-burnings which spring from these 



356 1 

misrepresentations : they tend to render alien to each " 
otlier those who ought to be bound together by fraternal j 
affection. Tlie inhabitants of our western country have 
lately had a useful lesson on this head : they have seen in,! 
the negotiation by the executive, and in the unanimous ra-'! 
tification by the senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in the 
universal satisfaction at that event throughout the United 
States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions 
propagated among tiiem, of a policy in the general govern- 
ment and in the Atlantic States, unfriendly to their interests 
in regard to the Mississippi : they have been witnesses to 
the formation of two treaties, that with Great Britain and 
that with Spain, which secure to them every thing they 
could desire, in respect to our foreign relations, towards 
confinning their prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom 
to rely for the preservation of these advantages on the- 
Union by which they were procured? Will ihe\^ not 
henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such there are, who 
would sever them from their brethren, and connect them 
with aliens ? 

14. To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a 
government for the whole is indispensable. No alliances, 
however strict, between the parts, can be an adequate sub- 
stitute: they must inevitably experience the infractions 
and interruptions which all alliances in all times have ex- 
perienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have 
improved upon your first essay, by the adoption of a con- 
stitution of government, better calculated than your former, 
for an intimate union, and for the eflicacious management 
of your common concerns. This government, the offspring 
of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted 
upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely 
free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers uni- 
ting security with energy, and containing within itself a 
provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your 
confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, cora- 
pliance with its lav,s, acquiescence in its measures, are 
duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty. 
The basis of our political system, is the right of the peo- 
ple to make and alter their constitutions of government. 



But, the Constitution which at any time exists, till chang- 
ed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is 
sacredly obliijatory upon all. The very idea of the power 
and the right of the people to establish government, pre- 
supposes the dut)^ of every individual to obey the estab- 
lished government. 

15. All obstructions to the execution of the Laws, all 
combinations and associations, under whatever plausible 
character, -with the real design to direct,. control, counter- 
act, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the con- 
stituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental prin- 
ciple, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, 
to give it an artificial and extraordinary force — ^to put in 
the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a 
party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of 
the community ; and, according to the alternate triumphs 
of different parties, to make the public administration the 
mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of fac- 
tion, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome 
plans, digested by common councils, and modified by mu- 
tual interests. However combinations or associat'ons of 
the above description may now and then answer popular 
ends, they are likely in the course of time and things to 
become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and 
unprincipled men, vrill be enabled to subvert the power of 
the people, and to usurp to themselves the reins of govern- 
ment ; destroying afterwards the very engines which have 
lifted them to unjust dominion. 

16. Towards the preservation of your government, and 
the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, 
not only that you speedily discountenance irregular opposi- 
tions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist 
with care the spirit of innovation upon its princij)les, how- 
ever specious the pretexts, One method of assaidt may be 
to effect in the forms of the constitution, alterations which 
impair the energ;'- of the system, and thus to undermine 
what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the changes 
to which you may be invited, remember that time and 
habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of 
governments as of other human institutions ;— that experi- 



358 

ence is the surest standard by which to test the real ten- 
dency of the existing constitution of a couutr)^ — that fa- 
cility in changes upon the credit of mere hypothesis and 
opinion, exposes to perpetual change from the endless va- 
riety of hypothesis and opinion ; and remember, especially, 
that for the efficient management of your common interests, 
in a country so extensive as ours, a government of as 
much vigour as is consistent with the perfect security of 
liberty, is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in such 
a government, with powers properly distributed and adjust- 
ed, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, little else than a name, 
where the government is too feeble to withstand the enter- ■ 
prises of faction, to confine each member of the society 
within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain 
all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of 
person and property. 

17. I have already intimated to you, the danger of par- 
ties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of , 
them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take ' 
a more comprehensive view, and w^arn you in the most . 
solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of 
party, generally. The spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable ' 
from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions 
of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in [ 
all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repress- i 
ed ; but in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest < 
rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. The alternate 
domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the I 
spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, w^hich, in ] 
different ages and countries, has perpetrated the most hor- '■ 
rid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this ' 
leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. 
The disorders and miseries which result, gradually incline .! 
the minds of men to seek security and repose in the abso- ^ 
lute power of an individual : and sooner or later the chief 
of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate 
than his com.petitor, turns this disposition to the purposes 
of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty. ' 

18. Without looking forward to an extremity of this 
kind, (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of J 



359 

sight.,) the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of 
party, are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a 
wise people to discourage and restrain it. It serves always 
to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public ad- 
ministration. It agitates the community with ill-founded 
jealousies and false alarms ; kindles the animosity of one 
part against another ; foments occasionally riot and insur- 
rection. It opens the door to foreign influence and cor- 
ruption, which find a facilitated access to the government 
itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the 
policy and the will of one country are subjected to the po- 
licy and will of another. 

19. There is an opinion that parties in free countries 
are useful checks upon the administration of the govern- 
ment, and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This 
within certain limits is probably true ; and in governments 
of a monarchical cast, patriotism may look with indul- 
gence, if not with favour, upon the spirit of party. But 
in those of a popular character, in governments purely 
elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their na- 
tural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of 
that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being con- 
stant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of pub- 
lic opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be 
quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its 
bursting into a flame, lest instead of warming, it should 
consume. 

20. It is important likewise, that the habits of thinking 
in a free country, should inspire caution, in those intrusted 
with its administration, to confine themselves within their 
respective constitutional spheres, avoiding, in the exercise 
of the powers of one department, to encroach upon another. 
The spirit of encroachment, tends to consolidate the powers 
of all the departments in one, and thus to create, what- 
ever the form of government, a real despotism. A just 
estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, 
which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to 
satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity of 
reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, bv 
dividing and distributing it into different depositaries, and 



360 

constituting each the guardian of public weal against in- 
vasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments 
ancient and modern: some of them in our country ana 
under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as ne- 
cessary as to constitute them. If, in the opinion of the 
people, tiie distribution or modification of the constitutional 
powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by 
an amendment in the way which the constitution desig- 
nates. But let there be no change by usurpation ; for 
though this, in one instance may be the instrument of 
good, it is the customary weapon by which free govern- 
ments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly 
overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient 
benefit which the use can at any time yield. 

21. Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to 
political prosperity, religion and morality are indispen- 
sable supports. In vain would that man claim the tri- 
bute of patriotism, who should labour to subvert these 
great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of 
the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, 
equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to che- 
rish them. A volume could not trace all their connexions 
with private and public felicit}^ Let it simply be asked, 
where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, 
if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, 
which are the instruments of investigation in courts 
of justice; and let us with caution indulge the supposi- 
tion, that morality can be maintained without religion. 
Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined 
education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and ex- 
perience both forbid us to expect that national morality 
can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. 'Tis 
substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary 
spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends 
with more or less force to every species of free govern- 
ment. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with 
indifiereiice upon attempts to shake the foundation of 
the fabric '/ 

22. Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, 
institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In 



3G1 

proportion as the structure of a government gives force 
to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should 
be enlightened. As a very important source of strength 
and security, cherish public credit: one method of preserv- 
ing it is to use it as sparingly as possible ; avoiding occa- 
sions of expense, by cultivating peace ; and remember- 
ing also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger, 
frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel 
it; avoiding likeAvise the accumulations of debt, not only 
by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exer- 
tions in time of peace to discharge the debts which una- 
voidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously 
throwing up-n posterity the burden which we ourselves 
ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs 
to your representatives, but it is necessary that public 
opinion should co-operate. To facilitate to them the per- 
formance of their duty, it is essential that you should 
practically bear in mind, that towards the payment of 
debts there must be revenue ; to have revenue there must 
be taxes ; that no taxes can be devised M'hich are not 
more or less inconvenient and unpleasant ; and the in- 
trinsic embarrassment inseparable from the selection of 
the proper object, (which is always a choice of difficul- 
ties,) ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construc- 
tion of the conduct of the_ government in making it, and 
for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtain- 
ing revenue which the public exigencies may at any 
time dictate. 

23. Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; 
cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and 
morality enjoin this conduct ; and can it be that good 
policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of 
a free, enlightened, and at no distant period, a great na- 
tion, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel 
example of a people always guided by an exalted justice 
and benevolence. Who can doubt that in the course of 
time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly 
repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by 
a steady adherence to it ? Can it be, that providence has 
not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its 
31 



362 

virtue? The expuriincnt, at least, is recommended by 
every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas ! 
is it rendered impossible by its vices ? 

24. In the e.xecution of such a plan, nothinq- is more es- 
sential, than that permanimt inveterate antipathies ag-ainsl 
particular nations, and passionate attachments for other.>-', I 
should be excluded ; and that in place of them just and j 
amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. I'he ', 
nation, which indulges towards another an habitual ha- * 
tred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. \ 
ft is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of > 
which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its 
interest. Antipathy in one nation against another, dis- j 
poses each more readily to ofTer insult and injury, to lay I 
hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and ! 
intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of di?- j 
pute occur. Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, enve- 
nomed, and bloody conte.sts. The nation, prompted by 

ill will and re.sentment, sometimes impels to war the ^ 
government, contrary to the best calculations of. policy. 
'Hie government sometimes participates in the national 
propensity, and adopts throuo-h passion what reason 
would reject; at other times, it makes the animosity of 
the nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated 

by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious mo- j 

tives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps tlie liberty, v' 

of nations, has been the victim. *i 

25. So likewise a passionate attnchmrnt of one nation 1 
for another, pro(hices a variety of evils. Syjnjathy for ; 
the favourite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imagi- ] 
nary common interest, in cases where no real common in- | 
terest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of thv; j 
other, betrays the former into a participation in the fpiar- '1 
rels and wars of the latter, without adequate indue, m.ent ' 
or justification. It leads also to the concessions to the fa- , 
vourite nation of privileges denied to others, which is apt 'j 
doubly to injure the nation making the concessions; by ■ 
unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been re- ^ 
tained, and by exciting jealousy, ill will, and a disposi- \ 
tion to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privi- i 



363 

leges are withheld, — and it gives to ambitious, corrupted, 
or dehided citizens, (who devote themselves to the favour- 
ite nation,) facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of 
their own country without odium, sometimes even with 
popularity ; gilding with the appearances of a virtuous 
sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public 
opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or 
foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation. 

2G. As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable 
ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the 
truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many 
opportunities do they afibrd to tamper with domestic fac- 
tions, to practise the arts of seduction, to mislead public 
opinions, to influence or awe public councils ! Such an 
attachment of small or weak, towards a great and pow- 
erful nation, dooms the former to be the satellites of the 
latter. Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, 
(I conjure you to believe me, fellow citizens,) the jeal- 
ousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; 
since history and e.xperience prove that foreigii influence 
is one of the most baneful foes of republican govern- 
ment. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impar- 
tial : else it becomes the instrument of the very influence 
to be avoided, instead of a defence against it. E.xcessive 
partiality for one foreign nation, and excessive dislike of 
another, cause those whom they actuate, to see danger 
only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the 
arts of influence on the other. Real patriots, who may 
resist the intrigues of the favourite, are liable to become 
suspected and odious ; while its tools and dupes usurp 
the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender 
their interests. The great rule of conduct for us, in re- 
gard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial 
relations, to have with them as little political connexion 
as possible. So far as we ^lave already formed engage- 
ments, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here 
1ft us stop. 

27. Europe has a set of primary interests, which to 
us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she 
must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of 



364 

which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, 
therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves 
by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her poli- 
tics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her 
friendships or enmities. Our detached and distant situa- 
tion invites and enables us to pursue a different course. 
If we remain one people, under an efficient government, 
the period is not far off, when we may defy material in- 
jury from external annoyance; when we may take such 
an attitude, as will cause the neutrality we may at ;iny 
time resolve upon, to be scrupulously respected ; when 
belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making 
acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving- 
us provocation ; when we may choose peace or wax, as 
our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. 

28. Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a si- 
tuation ? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign 
ground? Wh}?-, by interweaving our destiny with that 
of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperi- 
ty in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, 
humour, or caprice? 'Tis our true policy to steer clear 
of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign 
world ; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it ; 
for let me not be understood as patronising infidelity to 
existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less appli- 
cable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is al- 
ways the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those 
engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, 
in my opinion, it is unnecessary, and would be unwise. 
to extend them. Taking care always to keep ourselves, 
by suitable establishments, on a respectable defensive pos- 
ture, we ma)' safely trust to temporary alliances for ex- 
traordinary emergencies. 

29. Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are 
recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But 
even our commercial policy should hold an equal and 
impartial hand r neither seeking nor granting exclusive 
favours or preferences ; consulting the natural coui-se of 
things ; diffusing and diversifying, by gentle means, the 
streams of commerce, but forcing nothing ; establishing 



365 

with powers so clisposoil, in order to give trade a staLle 
course, to define the rigiits of our merchants, and to ena- 
ble the government to support them, conventional rules 
'if intercourse, the best that present circumstances and 
mutual opinion will permit, but tcmporarj', and liable to 
be from time to time abandoned or varied, as experience 
and circumstances shall dictate; constantly keeping in 
view, that 'tis folly in one nation to look for disinterested 
favours from another ; that it must pay with a portion of 
its independence whatever it may accept under that cha- 
racter ; that by such acceptance, it may place itself in 
the condition of having given equivalent for nominal fa- 
vours, and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for 
not giving more. There can be no greater error than to 
• ■xpect or calculate upon real favours from nation to na- 
tion. 'Tis an illusion which experience must ctire, which 
a just pride ought to discard. 

30. In oflering to you, my countrymen, these counsels 
nf an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they 
v>ill make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; 
that they will control the usual current of the passions, 
or prevent our nation from running the course which has 
liiiherto marked the destiny of nations: but if I may 
<n-en flatter myself, that they may be productive of some 
partial benefit, some occasional good ; that they may now 
and. then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to 
warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigues, and 
i,aiard against the impostures of pretended patriotism ; 
this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for 
your welfare, by which they have been dictated. How 
far, in the discharge of my official duties, I have been 
quided by the principles which have been delineated, the 
))ublic records, and other evidences of my conduct, must 
witness to you and to the world. To myself, the assu- 
rance of my own conscience is, that I have at least be- 
lieved myself to be guided by them. 

31. In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, 
my proclamation of the 22d of April, 1793, is the index 
to my plan. Sanctioned by your approving voice, and 
by that of your representatives in both houses of con- 

'31* 



366 

gress, the spirit of that measure has continually governetl 
me ; uninfluenced by any attempt to deter or divert me 
from it. After deliberate examination, with the aid of 
the best lights I could obtain, 1 was well satisfied that 
our country, under all the circumstances of the case, had 
a rigiit to take, and was bound in duty and interest to 
take, a neutral position. Having taken it, I determined, 
as far as should depend upon me, to maintain it with mo- 
deration, perseverance, and firmness. 

32. The consideration which respects the right to hold 
the conduct, it is not necessary on this occasion to detail. 
I will only observe, that according to my understanding 
of the matter, that right, so far from being denied by any 
of the belligerent powers, has been virtually admitted by 
all. The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be in- 
ferred, w^ithout any thing more, from the obligation which 
justice and humanity impose upon every nation, in cases 
in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the rela- 
tions of peace and amity towards other nations. The 
inducements of interest for observing that conduct, will be 
best referred to your own reflection and experience. 
With me, a predominant motive has been to endeavour 
to gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet 
recent institutions, and to progress, without interruption, 
to that degree of strength and consistency, which is ne- 
cessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of 
its own fortunes. 

33. Though in reviewing the incidents of my adminis- 
tration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am ne- 
vertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it pro- 
bable that I may have committed many errors. What- 
ever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to 
avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I 
shall also carry with me the hope that my country will 
never cease to view them with indulgence ; and that after 
forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service, with 
an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abiluies will 
be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the 
mansions of rest. Relying on its kindness in this as in 
other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, 



367 

which is so natural to a man, who views in it the native 
soil of himself and liis progenitors for several genera- 
tions; I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, 
in which I promise mj'self to realize, without alloy, the 
sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow 
citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free 
gofvernment — the ever favourite object of my heart, and 
the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, la- 
bours, and dangers. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



A CIRCULAR LETTER 

From his Excellency George Washington, Commander- 
in-chief of the Armies of the United States of Ameri- 
ca, to the Governors of the several States. 

Head-Quarters, Newburgii, June 18, 1783. 
Sir, — The great object for which I had the honour to 
hold an appointment in the service of my country, being 
accomplished, I am now preparing to resign it into the 
hands of Congress, and return to that domestic retirement, 
which, it is well known, I left w^ith the greatest reluctance ; 
a retirement for which I have never ceased to sigh, through 
a long and painful absence, in which, (remote from the 
uoise and trouble of the world,) I meditate to pass the 
remainder of life, in a state of undisturbed repose. But, 
before I carry this resolution into effect, I think it a duty 
incumbent on me to make this my last official communi- 
cation, to congratulate yon on the glorious events w hich 
Heaven has been pleas^^d to produce in our llivour, to offer 
my sentiments respectii;ig some important subjects, which 
appear to me to be intimately connected with the tranquilli- 
ty of the United States, to take my leave of your Excel- 
lency as a public character, and to give my final blessing 
to that country in whose service I have spent the prime of 
my life ; for whose sake I have consumed so many anx- 



368 

ious days and watcliful nights ; and whose happine?!, 
being extremely dear to me, will always constitute no in- 
considerable part of my own. 

Impressed with the liveliest sensibility on this pleasing 
occasion, I will claim the indulgence of dilating the more 
copiously on the subject of our mutual felicitation. When 
we consider the magnitude of the prize we contended for, 
the doubtful nature of the contest, and the favourable man- 
ner in which it has terminated ; we shall find the greatest 
possible reason for gratitude and rejoicing. This is a 
theme that will afford infinite delight to every benevolent 
and liberal mind, whether the event in contemplation be 
considered as a source of present enjoyment, or the parent 
of future happiness ; and we shall have equal occasion to 
felicitate ourselves on the lot which Providence has assign- 
ed us, whether we view it in a natural, a political, or moral 
point of view. 

The citizens of America, placed in the most enviable 
condition, as the sole lords and proprietors of a vast tract 
of continent, comprehending all the various soils and cli- 
mates of the world, and abounding with all the necessaries 
and conveniences of life, are now, by the late satisfactory 
pacification, acknowledged to be possessed of absolute 
freedom and independency ; they are from this period to 
be considered as the actors on a most conspicuous theatre, 
which seems to be peculiarlj^ designed by Providence for 
the display of human greatness and felicity : here they 
are not only surrounded with every thing that can contri- 
bute to the completion of private and domestic enjoyment, 
but Heaven has crowned all its other blessings by giving 
a surer opportunity for political happiness than any other 
nation has ever been favoured with. Nothing can illus- 
trate these observations more forcibly than the recollection 
of the happy conjuncture of times and circumstances, un- 
der which our republic assumed its jank among the nations. 
The foundation of our empire has not been laid in a gloomy 
age of ignorance and superstition, but at an epocha when 
the rights of mankind were better understood and more 
clearly defined, than at any former period. Researches of 
the human mind after social happiness have been carried 



369 

to a great extent ; the treasures of knowledge, acquired by 
llie labours of j)hilosopliers, sages, and legislators, through 
a long succession of years, are laid open for use ; and their 
collected wisdom may be happily applied in the establish- 
ment of our forms of government ; the free cultivation of 
letters, the unbounded extension of commerce, the progres- 
sive refinement of manners, the growing liberality of sen- 
timent, and, above all, the pure and benign light of revela- 
tion, have had a meliorating influence on mankind, and 
increased the blessings of society. At this auspicious pe- 
riod, the United States came into existence as a nation, and 
if their citizens should not be completely free and happy, 
the fault will be entirely their own. 

Such is our situation, and such are our prospects ; but 
notwithstanding the cup of blessing is thus reached out to 
us — notwithstanding happiness is ours, if we have a dis- 
position to seize the occasion, and make it our own ; yet 
it appears to me, there is an option still left to the United 
States of America, -whether they will be respectable and 
prosperous, or contemptible and miserable as a nation. 
This is the time of their political probation ; this is the 
moment, when the eyes of the whole world are turned upon 
them ; this is the time to establish or ruin their national 
character for ever ; this is the favourable moment to give 
such a tone to the Federal Government, as will enable it 
to answer the ends of its institution ; or this may be the ill 
fated moment for relaxing the powers of the Union, anni- 
hilating the cement of the confederation, and exposing us 
to become the sport of European politics, which may play 
one State against another, to prevent their growing impor- 
tance, and to serve their own interested purposes. For, 
according to the system of policy the States shall adopt at 
tbis moment, they will stand or fall : and, by their confirm- 
ation or lapse, it is yet to be decided, whether the revolu- 
tion must ultimately be considered as a blessing or a curse ; 
a blessing or a curse not to the present age alone, for with 
our flite will the destiny of unborn millions be involved. 

With this conviction of the importance of the present 
crisis, silence in me would be a crime. I will therefore 
speak to your Excellency the language of freedom and 



370 

sincerity, without disguise. I um aware, liowevt.', those 
who difTor from me in political SL-ntinients, may perhaps 
remark, I am stepping out of the proper line of my duty ; 
and they may possibly ascribe to arrogance or ostentation, 
what I know is alone the result of tlie purest intention ; but 
the rectitude of my own heart, which disdains such unwor- 
thy motives — the part 1 have hitherto acted in life — the de- 
termination I have formed of not taking any share in public 
business hereafter — the ardent desire I feel and shall con- 
tinue to manifest, of quietly enjoying in private life, after 
all the toils of war, the benefits of a wise and liberal go- 
vernment, — will, I flatter myself, sooner or later, convince 
my countrymen, that I could have no sinister views in 
delivering, with so little reserve, the opinions contained in 
this Address. 

There are four things which I humbly conceive are 
ejisential to the well-being-; I may even venture to say, to the 
existence of the United States, as an independent power. 

1st. An indissoluble union of the States under one fe- 
deral head. 
^ 2dly. A sacred regard to public justice. 

3dly. The adoption of a proper peace establishment ; 
and, 

4thly. The prevalence of that pacific and friendly dis- 
position among the people of the United States, which 
will induce them to forget their local prejudices and poli- 
tics, to make those mutual concessions which are requi- 
site to the general prosperitJ^ and, in some instances, to 
sacrifice their individual advantages to the interest of the 
community. 

These are the pillars on Avhich the glorious fabric of 
our independence and national character must be support- 
ed. Liberty is the basis, and whoever would dare to sap 
liie foundation, or overturn the structure, under whatever 
specious pretext he may attempt it, will merit the bitter- 
est execration and the severest punishment which can V« 
inflicted by his injured country. 

On the three first articles 1 will make a few observa- 
tions, leaving the last to the good sense and serious consi- 
deration of those immediately concerned, 



371 

Under the first head, although it may not be necessary 
or proper for nie in this place to enter into a particular dis- 
ijuisition of the principles of the Union, and to take up 
the great question which has_ been frequently agitated, 
whedier it be expedient and requisite for the States to de- 
legate a large proportion of power to Congress or not ; 
yet it will be a part of my duty, and that of every true 
patriot, to assert, without reserve, and to insist upon the 
following' positions. That unless the States will suffer 
Congress to exercise those prerogatives they are imdoubt- 
edly invested with by the constitution, every thing must 
very rapidly tend to anarchy and confusion. That it is 
indispensable to the happiness of the individual States, 
that there should he lodged, somewhere, a supreme povv'er, 
to regulate and govern the general concerns of the confe- 
derated republic, without which the union cannot be of 
long duration. There must be a faithful and pointed com- 
pliance on the part of every State, with the late proposals 
and demands of Congress, or the most fatal consequences 
will ensue. That whatever measures have a tendency to 
dissolve the Union, or contribute to violate or lessen the 
sovereign authority, ought to be considered as hostile to 
the liberty and independency of America, and the authors 
of tliem treated accordingly. And, lastly, that unless we 
can be enabled by the concurrence of the States, to parti- 
cipate in the fruits of the revolution, and enjoy the essen- 
tial benefits of civil society, under a form of government 
so free and uncorrupted, so happily guarded against the 
danger of oppression, as has been devised and adopted by 
the articles of confederation, it will be the subject of re- 
gret, that so mucli blood and treasure have been lavished 
for no purpose; that so many sufferings have been coun- 
teracted without a compensation, and that so many sacri- 
fices have been made in vain. Many other considerations 
might here be adduced to prove, that without an entire 
conformity to the spirit of the Union, we cannot exist as 
an independent power. It will be sufficient for my pur- 
pose to mention but one or two, which seem to me of the 
g^reatest importance. It is only in our united character, as 
an empire, that our independence is acknowledged, that 



372 

our power can be regarded, or our credit supported among 
foreign nations. The treaties of the European powers 
with the United States of America, will have no validity 
on the dissolution of the Union. We shall be left nearly in 
a state of nature ; or we niay find, by our own unhappy 
experience, that there is a natural and necessary progres- 
sion from the extreme of anarchy to the extreme of tyran- 
ny ; and that arbitrary power is most easily established on 
the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness. 

As to the second article, which respects the performance 
of public justice. Congress have, in their late Address to 
the United States, almost exhausted the subject : they have 
explained their ideas so fully, and have enforced the obli- 
gations the States are under to render complete justice lu 
all the public creditors, with so much dignity and energy, 
that in my opinion no real friend to the honour and inde- 
pendency of America can hesitate a single moment respect- 
ing the propriety of complying with the just and honoura- 
ble aueasures proposed. If their arguments do not producw 
conviction, I know of nothing that will have a greater 
mfluence, especially when we reflect that the system refer- 
red to, being the result of the collected wisdom of tiie 
continent, must be esteemed, if not perfect, certainly the 
least objectionable of any that could be devised; and that, if 
itshouldnot be carried into immediate execution, anational 
bankruptcy, with all its deplorable consequences, will take 
place, before any diflerent plan can possibly be proposed 
or adopted ; so pressing are the present circumstances, and 
such the alternative now offered to the States. 

The ability of the country to discharge the debts which 
have been incurred in its defence, is not to be doubted. — 
An inclination, I flatter myself, will not be wanting ; the 
path of our duty is plain before us ; honesty will be found, 
on every experiment, to be the best and only true policy. 
Let us then, as a nation, be just ; let us fulhl the public 
contracts which Congress had undoubtedly a right to 
make for the purpose of carrying on the war, with the 
same good faith we suppose ourselves bound to perform 
our private engagements. In the mean time, let an atten- 
tion to the cheerful performance of their proper business. 



373 

as individuals, and as members of society, be earnestly 
inculcated on the citizens of America ; then will they 
strengthen the bands of government, and be happy under 
its protection. Every one will reap the fruit of his la- 
bours ; every one will enjoy his own acquisitions, without 
molestation and without danger. 

In this state of absolute freedom and perfect security, 
who will grudge to yield a very little of his property to 
support the common interests of society, and ensure the 
protection of government 1 Who does not remember the 
frequent declarations at the commencement of the war, 
that we should be completely satisfied, if at the expense of 
one half we could defend the remainder of our posses- 
sions? Where is the man to be found, who wishes to 
remain indebted for the defence of his own person and 
property, to the exertions, the bravery, and the blood of 
others, without making one generous effort to pay the debt 
of honour and of gratitude ? In what part of the conti- 
nent shall we find any man, or body of men, who would 
not blush to stand up, and propose measures purposely 
calculated to rob the soldier of his stipend, and the public 
creditor of his due ? And were it possible that such a 
flagrant instance of injustice could ever happen, would it 
not excite the general indignation, and tend to bring dnw^l 
upon the authors of such measures, the aggravated ven- 
geance of Heaven ? If, after all, a spirit of disunion, or 
a temper of obstinacy and perverseness, should manifest 
itself in any of the States ; if such an ungracious disposi- 
tion should attempt to frustrate all the happy effects that 
might be expected to flow from the Union ; if there should 
be a refusal to comply with the requisitions for funds to 
discharge the annual interest of the public debts, and if 
that refusal should revive all those jealousies, and produce 
all those evils which are now happily removed ; — Con- 
gress, who have in all their transactions shown a great 
degree of magnanimity and justice, will stand justified in 
the sight of God and man ! And that State alone, which 
puts itself in opposition to the aggregate wisdom of the 
continent, and follows sugh mistaken and pernicious coun- 
cils, will be responsible for all the consequences. 
32 



374 

For my own part, conscious of having acted, while a ■ 
servant of the public, in the manner 1 conceived best 
suited to promote the real interests of my country ; having, 
in consequence of my fixed belief, in some measure, 
pledged myself to the army, that their country would 
hnally do them complete and ample justice, and not wil- 
ling to conceal any instance of my official conduct from 
the eyes of the world, I have thought proper to transmit 
to your excellency the enclosed collection of papers, rela- 
tive to the half-pay and commutation granted by Congress 
to the officers of the army : from these communications, 
my decided sentiments will be clearly comprehended, 
together with the conclusive reasons, which induced me, 
at an early period, to recommend the adoption of this 
measure in the most earnest and serious manner. As the 
proceedings of Congress, the army, and myself, are open 
to all, and contain, in my opinion, sufficient information 
to remove the prejudice and errors which may have been 
entertained by any, I think it unnecessary to say any thing 
more, than just to observe, that the resolutions of Congress, 
now alluded to, are as undoubtedly and absolutely binding 
on the United States, as the most solemn acts of confeder- 
ation or legislation. 

As to the idea, which I am informed, has in some in- 
stances prevailed, that the half-pay and commutation are 
to be regarded merely in the odious light of a pension, it 
ought to be exploded for ever : that provision should be 
viewed, as it really was, a reasonable compensation offer- 
ed by Congress, at a time when they had nothing else to 
give to officers of the army, for services then to be per- 
formed : it Avas the only means to prevent a total derelic- 
tion of the service ; it was a part of their hire. I may be 
allowed to say, it was the price of their blood, and of your 
independency ; it is therefore more than a common debt, 
it is a debt of honour ; it can never be considered as a pen- 
sion or gratuity, nor cancelled until it is fairly discharged. 

With regard to the distinction between officers and sol- 
diers, it is sufficient that the uniform experience of every 
nation in the world, combined with our own, proves the 
utility and propriety of the discrimination. Rewards, in 



375 

proportion to the aid the public draws from them, are un- 
questionably due to all its servants. In some lines, the 
soldiers have perhaps generally had as ample compensa- 
tion for their services, by the large bounties which have 
been paid to them, as their officers will receive in the pro- 
posed commutation ; in others, if, besides the donation of 
land, the payment of arrearages of clothing and wages, 
(in which articles all the component parts of the army 
must be put upon the same footing,) we take into the esti- 
mate, the bounties many of the soldiers have received, 
and the gratuity of orle year's full pay, which is promised 
to all, possibly their situation (every circumstance being 
duly considered) will not be deemed less eligible than that 
of the officers. Should a farther reward, however, be judged 
equitable, I will venture to assert, no man will enjoy great- 
er satisfaction than myself, in an exemption from taxes for 
a limited time, (which has been petitioned for in some in- 
stances) or any other adequate immunity or compensation 
granted to the brave defenders of their country's cause; but 
neither the adoption or rejection of this proposition will, 
in any manner, afiect, much less militate against the act of 
Congress, by Avhich they have offered five years' full pay, 
in lieu of the half-pay for life, which had been before pro- 
mised to the officers of the army. 

Before I conclude the subject on public justice, I can- 
not omit to mention the obligations this country is under 
to that meritorious class of veterans, the non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates who have been discharged 
for inability, in consequence of the resolution of con- 
gress, of the 23d of April, 1782, on an annual pension 
for life. Their peculiar sufferings, their singular merits 
and claims to that provision, need only to be known, to 
interest the feelings cf humanity in their behalf No- 
thing but a punctual payment of their annual allowance 
can rescue them from the most complicated misery ; and 
nothing could be a more melancholy and distressing 
sight, than to behold those who have shed their blood, 
or lost their limbs in the service of 'their country, with- 
out a shelter, without a friend, and without the means of 
obtaining any of the comforts or necessaries of life, com- 



376 

pelled to heg their daily bread from door to door. Suffer 
me to recommend those of this description, belonging to 
your State, to the warmest patronage of your excellency 
and your legislature. 

It is necessary to say but a few words on the tliird 
topic which was proposed, and which regards particular- 
ly the defence of the republic ; as there can be little doubt 
but Congress will recommend a proper peace establish- 
ment for the United States, in which a due attention will 
be paid to the importance of placing the militia of the 
Union upon a regular and respectable footing. If this 
should be the case, I should beg leave to urge the great 
advantage of it in the strongest terms. 

The militia of this country must be considered as the 
palladium of our security, and the first effectual resort in 
case of hostility ; it is essential, therefore, that the same 
system should pervade the whole ; that the formation and 
discipline of the militia of the continent should be abso- 
lutely imiform ; and that the same species of arms, ac- 
coutrements, and military apparatus, should be intro- 
duced in every part of the United States. No one, who 
has not learned it from experience, can conceive the diffi- 
culty, expense, and confusion, which result from a con- 
trary system, or the vague arrangements which have 
hitherto prevailed. 

If, in treating of political points, a greater latitude than 
usual has been taken in the course of the Address, the im- 
portance of the crisis, and magnitude of the objects in dis- 
cussion, must be my apology: it is, however, neither my 
v/ish nor expectation, that the preceding observations should 
claim any regard, except so far as they shall appear to be 
dictated by a good intention ; consonant to the immutable 
rules of justice; calculated to produce a liberal sj'Stem of 
policj--, and founded on whatever experience may have 
been acquired by a long and close attention to public 
business. Here I might speak with more confidence, 
from my actual observations ; and if it would not swell this 
letter (already too prolix) beyond the bounds I had pre- 
scribed myself, I could demonstrate to every mind, open 
to conviction, that in less time, and with much less ex- 



377 

pense than has been incurred, the war might have been 
brought tothesLime liappy conclusion, if the resources of 
the continent could have been properly called forth ; that 
tiie distresses and disappointments which have very often 
occurred, have, in too many instances, resulted more from 
a want of energy in the continental government, than a 
deficiency of means in the particular States ; that the in- 
erficienc-y of the measures, arising from the want of an 
adequate authority in the supreme power, from a partial 
compliance with the requisitions of Congress in some of 
the States, and from a failure of punctuality in others, 
while they tended to damp the zeal of those who were 
more willing to exert themselves, served also to accumulate 
the expenses of the war, and to frustrate the best concert- 
ed plans ; and that the discouragement occasioned by the 
complicated difficulties and embarrassments, in which 
our affairs were by this means involved, would have long- 
ago produced the dissolution of any army, less patient, 
less virtuous, and less persevering" than that which I have 
hud the honour to connnand. But while I mention those 
things, which are notorious facts, as the defects of our 
Federal Constitution, particularly in the prosecution of a 
war, I beg it may be understood, thai as I have ever taken 
a pleasure in gratefully acknowledging the assistance and 
support I have derived from every class of citizens, so 
shall I always be happj' to do justice to the unparalleled 
exertions of the individual States, on many interesting- 
occasions. 

1 have thus freely disclosed what I -wished to make 
known before 1 surrendered up iny public trust to those 
who committed it to me. The task is now accomplished. 
I now bid adieu to your excellency, as the chief magis- 
trate of your State ; at the same time 1 bid a last liire- 
well to the cares of office, and all the employments of 
public life. 

It remains, then, to be my final and only request, that 
your excellency Avill communicate these sentiments to 
your legislature, at their next meeting, and that they may 
be considered as the legacy of one who has ardently 
wished, on all occasions, to be useful to his country, and 
3;i* 



378 

who, even in the shade of retirement, will not fail to im- 
plore the divine benediction upon it. 

I now make it my earnest prayer that God would have 
you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy 
protection ; that he would incline the hearts of the citizens 
to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to 
government ; to entertain a brotherly affection and love 
for one another, for their fellow-citizens of the United 
States at large, and particularly for their brethren who 
have served in the field; and finally, that he would most 
graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, 
to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, 
humility, and pacific temper of the mind, which were the 
characteristics of the divine Author of our blessed reli- 
gion ; without an humble imitation of whose example, in 
these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation. 

I have the honour to be, with much esteem and respect, 
sir, your excellency's most obedient and most humble 
servant, G. WASHINGTON. 



FAREWELL ORDERS 

Of Gen. Washington to the Armies of the United States. 

Rocky Hill, near Princeton, Nov. 2, 1783. 
The United States in Congress assembled, after giving 
the most honourable testimony to the merits of the federal 
armies, and presenting them with the thanks of their 
country, for their long, eminent, and faithful service, hav- 
ing thought proper, by their proclamation bearing date 
the l(3th of October last, to discharge such part of the 
troops as were engaged for the war, and to permit the 
officers on furlough to retire from service, from and after 
to-morrow ; which proclamation having been communi- 
cated in the public papers for the information and govern- 
ment of all concerned ; it only remains for the commander- 
in-chief to address himself once more, and that for the last 



379 

time, to the armies of the United States, (however widely 
dispersed individuals who compose them may be,) and to 
bid them an afl'ectionate, a long farewell. 

But before the commander-in-chief takes his final leave 
of those he holds most dear, he wishes to indulge himself 
a few moments in calling to mind a slight review of the 
past : he will then take the liberty of exploring, with his 
military friends, their future prospects ; of advising the 
general line of conduct which, in his opinion, ought to be 
•pursued ; and he will conclude the address, by expressing 
the obligations he feels himself under for the spirited and 
able assistance he has experienced from them, in the per- 
formance of an arduous office. 

A contemplation of the complete attainment, (at a period 
earlier than could have been expected,) of the object for 
which we contended against so formidable a power, cannot 
but inspire us with astonishment and gratitude. The dis- 
advantageous circumstances on our part, under which 
the war was undertaken, can never be forgotten. The 
singular interpositions of Providence in our feeble con- 
dition, were such as could scarcely escape the attention 
of the most unobserving — while the unparalleled perse- 
verance of the armies of the United States, through almost 
every possible sufiering and discouragement, for the space 
of eight long years, Avas little short of a standing miracle. 

It is not the meaning, nor within the compass of this 
address, to detail the- hardships peculiarly incident to our 
service, or to describe the distresses which in several in- 
stances have resulted from the extremes of hunger and 
nakedness, combined with the rigours of an inclement sea- 
son ; nor is it necessary to dwell on the dark side of our 
past affairs. Every American officer and soldier must 
now console himself for any unpleasant circumstances 
which may have occurred, by a recollection of the im- 
common scenes in which he has been called to act no in- 
glorious part, and the astonishing events of which he has 
been a witness ; events which have seldom, if ever before, 
taken place on the stage of human action, nor can they 
probably ever happen again. For who has before seen a 
disciplined army formed at once from such raw materials 1 



380 

Who that was not a witness could imagine that the most 
violent loqi^ prejudices would cease so soon, and that men 
who came from different parts of the continent, strongly 
disposed hy the habits of education to despise and quarrel 
with each other, would instantly become but one patriotic 
band of brothers 1 Or who that was not on the spot, can 
trace the steps by which such a wonderful revolution has 
been effected, and such a glorious period put to all our 
warlike toils ? 

It is universally acknowledged, that the enlarged pros- 
pects of happiness, opened by the confirmation of our in- 
dependence and sovereignty, almost exceed the power of 
description ; and shall not the brave men who have con- 
tributed so essentially to these inestimable acquisitions, 
retiring victorious from the field of war to the field of 
agriculture, participate in all the blessings which have 
been obtained 1 In such a republic, who will exclude 
them from the rights of citizens, and the fruits of their 
labours ? In such a country, so happily circumstanced, 
the pursuits of commerce and the cultivation of the soil, 
will unfold to industry the certain road to competence. 
7V) those hardy soldiers who are actuated by the spirit of 
adventure, the fisheries will afford ample and profitable 
employment; and the extensive and fertile regions of the 
West will yield a most happy asylum for those who, 
fond of domestic enjoyment, are seeking personal inde- 
pendence. Nor is it possible to conceive that any one 
of the United States, will prefer a national bankruptcy, 
and dissolution of the Union, to a compliance with the 
requisitions of Congress, and the payment of its just debts: 
so that the officers and soldiers may expect considerable 
assistance, in re-commencing their civil operations, from 
the sums due to them from the public, which must and 
will most inevitably be paid. 

In order to effect this desirable purpose, and to remove 
the prejudices which may have taken possession of the 
minds of any of the good people of the States, it is earn- 
estly recommended to all the troops, that, with strong at- 
tachments to the Union, they should carry with them into 
civil society the most conciliating dispositions ; and that 



381 

they should prove themselves not less virtuous and use- 
ful as citizens, than they have been persevering and vic- 
torious as soldiers. What though there should be some 
envious individuals, who are unwilling to pay the debt 
the public has contracted, or to yield the tribute due to 
merit ; yet let such unworthy treatment produce no in- 
vective, or any instance of intemperate conduct ; let it be 
remembered that the unbiassed voice of the free citizens 
of the United States has promised the just reward, and 
given the merited applause ; let it be known and remem- 
bered, that the reputation of the federal armies is esta- 
blished beyond the reach of malevolence ; and let a con- 
sciousness of their achievements and fame, still excite the 
men who composed them, to honourable actions, under 
the persuasion, that the private virtues of economy, pru- 
dence, and industry, will not be less amiable in civil life, 
than the more splendid qualities of valour, perseverance, 
and enterprise, were in the field. Every one may rest 
assured that much, very much, of the future happiness of 
the officers and men, Avill depend upon the wise and 
manly conduct which shall be adopted by them, when 
they are mingled with the great body of the community. 
And although the General has so frequently given it as 
his opinion, in the most public and explicit manner, that 
unless the principles of the federal government were pro- 
perly supported, and the powers of the Union increased, 
the honour, dignity, and justice of the nation, would be 
lost for ever : yet he cannot help repeating on this occa- 
sion so interesting a sentiment, and leaving it as his last 
injunction to every officer and every soldier who may 
view the subject in the same serious point of light, to add 
his best endeavours to those of his worthy fellow-citizens, 
towards effecting these great and valuable purposes, on 
which our very existence as a nation so materially de- 
pends. 

The commander-in-chief conceives little is now want- 
ing to enable the soldier to change the military character 
into that of a citizen, but that steady and decent tenor of 
behaviour, which has generally distinguished not only the 
army under his immediate command, but the different 



382 

detachments and separate armies, througli the course of 
the war. From their g-ood sense and prudence he anti- 
cipates the happiest consequences: and while he congra- 
tulates them on the glorious occasion which renders their 
services in the field no longer necessary, he wishes to 
express the strong obligations he feels himself under for 
the assistance he has received from every class, and in 
-every instance. He presents his thanks, in the most 
serious and afTectionate manner, to the general officers, 
as well for their counsel on many interesting occasions, 
as for their ardour in promoting the success of the plans 
he had adopted ; to the commandants of regiments and j 
corps, and to the officers, for their zeal and attenti.on in ' 
carrying his orders promptly into execution ; to the stafi', i 
for their alacrity and exactness in performing the duties * 
of their several departments; and to the non-commission- j 
ed officers and private soldiers, for their extraordinary 1 
patience in suffering, as well as their invincible fortitude 
in action. To various branches of the army the General 
takes this last and solemn opportunity of professing his . 
inviolable attachment and friendship. He wishes more • 
than bare profession were in his power, that he M-as ^ 
really able to be useful to them all in future life. He .' 
flatters himself, however, they will do him the justice to j 
believe, that whatever could Avith propriety be attempted ' 
by him, has been done. And being now to conclude ] 
these his last public orders, to take his ultimate leave, in , 
a short time, of the military character, and to bid a final j 
adieu to the armies he has so long had the honour to com- ^ 
mand, he can only again offer, in their l)ehalf, his re- 
commendations to their grateful country, and his prayers | 
to the God of armies. May ample justice be done them | 
here, and may the choici-st of Heaven's favours, both here i 
and hereafter, attend those who, under the divine auspi- ' 
ces, have secured innumerable blessings for others! j 
With these wishes, and this benediction, the commander- 
in-chief is about to retire from service. The curtain of ', 
separation will soon be drawn — and the military scene to j 
hijn will be closed for ever. 



APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX. 



INDIAN ELOCII ENCE. 



Speech of Logan, a Mingo Chief. 

This celebrated chief was distinguished for mnenaniinity in war, and 
greatness of soul in peace. He was always acRnowledsjed the friend 
of the white people, until the year 177), when his brother and others 
of his family were murdered by the whites. This drew on q bloody 
war with the whites, and the Indians were obliged to sue for peace. 
The follow ing speech was delivered at a treaty held by Governor Dun- 
more, of Virginia, with the Mingoes, Shawanese, and Delawares. 
Logan, thougn desirous of peace, remained in his cabin in silence, till 
a messenger was sent to hun, to know whether he would accede to 
the proposals, t.ogan, after shedding many tears for the loes of his 
friends, answered as follows. 

" I nppoal to any white man to say, if ever he entered 
Logan's cabin hungry, and he gave hirn not moat : if ever 
he came cold and naked, and he clothed him not. During 
the course of the last long and bloody war, Logan remain- 
ed idle in his cabin, an advocate for peace. Such was mv 
love for the whites, that my countrymen pointed as thev 
passed, and said, ' Logan js the friend of white men.' 1 
had even thought to have lived with you, but for the inju- 
ries of one man. Colonel Cresap. the last spring, in cold 
blood, and unprovoked, murdered all the relations of Lo- 
gan, not even sparing my women and childrtin. There 
runs not a drop ofmy blood in the veins of any living crea- 
ture. This called on me for revenge. I have sought it : I 
have killed many : I have fully glutted my vengeance. For 
my country, I rejoice at the beams of peace : but do not 
harbour a thought that mine is the joy of fear Logan 
never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his 
life. Who is there to mourn fur Logan ? — Not one " 



386 



Speech of the Chiefs of the Seneca Nation to the Prcfi- 
dent of the United States — 1790. 

Father — The voice of the Seneca nation speaks to yon 
— the f-reat counsellor, in whose heart the wise men of all 
the thirteen fires have placed their wisdom ; it may he very 
small in your ears, and we therefore entreat you to hearken 
Avith attention, for we are about to speak of things which 
are to us very irreat^ 

When your army entered the country of the Six Nations, 
we called you the town destroyer : and to this day, when 
your name is heard, our women look behind them and 
turn pale, and our children cling close to the necks of their 
mothers. Our counsellors and warriors are men, and 
cannot be afraid ; but their hearts are grieved with the 
ibars of our women and children, and desire that it may 
be buried so deep <as to be heard no more 

When you gave us peace, we called you father ; because 
you promised to secure us in the possession of our lands. 
Do this, and so long as the land shall remain, that beloved 
name will be in the heart of every Seneca. 

Father — We mean to open our hearts before you. and 
we earnestly desire that you will let us clearly understand 
what you resolve to do. 

When our chiefs returned from the treaty at Fort Stnn- 
Avix, and laid before our council what had btn^n done there, 
our nation was surprised to hear how great a country you 
}jad compelled them to give up to you, without your pay- 
ing to us any thing for it. Every one said that your hearts 
were yet swelled with resentment again.st us, for what had 
happened during the war ; but that one day you would 
consider it with more kindness. We asked each other, 
what have we done to deserve such severe chastisement ? 

Father — When you kindled your thirteen fires sepa- 
rately, the wise men assembled at them told us, that you 
were all brothers — the children of one great father — who 
regarded the red people as his children. They called us 
brothers, and invited us to his protection. They told us 
that he resided beyond tlie great water, where the .sun 



387 

first rises — that he was a kiflg whose power no people 
rould resist, and that his g-oodness was bright as the sun — 
what they saiti, went to our hearts. We accepted the in- 
vitation, and promised to obey him. What the Seneca 
nation promises, they faithfully perform ; and when you 
refused obedience to that king, he commanded us to assist 
Jiis beloved men in making you sober. In obeying him, 
we did no more than yourselves had led us to promise. 
The men who claimed this promise, told us that you were 
I'hildren and had no guns ; that when they had shaken you, 
you would submit. We hearkened unto them, and were 
deceived until your army approached our towns. We were 
deceived ; but your people teaching us to confide in that 
king, had helped to deceive us; and we now appeal to 
your heart — Is all the blame ours? 

Father — ^Vhen we saw that we had been deceived, and 
heard the invitation which you gave us to draw near to the 
fire which you have kindled, and talk with you concerning 
peace, we made haste towards it. You then told us you 
could crush us to nothing, and you demanded from us a 
great country, asthe price of that peace which you had offer- 
ed tons; as if our want of strength had destroyed our rights. 
Our chiefs had felt your power, and were luiable to con- 
tend against yon, and they therefore gave up that countr}-. 
What they agreed to, has bound our nation ; but your an- 
ger against us must, by this time, be cooled, and although 
our strength has not nicreased, nor your power become 
less, we ask you to consider calmly — were the terms dicta- 
ted to us by your commissioners reasonable or just? 

Father — Hear our case. Many nations inhabited this 
country ; but they had no wisdom ; therefore they warred 
together — the Six Nations were powerful, and compelled 
them to peace. The land, for a great extent, was given up 
to them, but the nations which were not destroj^ed, all 
continued on those lands, and claimed the protection of the 
Six Nation.s, as brothers of their fathers. They were 
men, and, when at peace, had a right to live upon the 
earth. 

The French came among' us, and built Niagara ; they 
became our f'th.-is :,)kI took care of us. Sir William 



388 

Johnson came and took tlin^ fort from the Frciicli ; lie he- 
came our father, and promised to take care of us : and he 
did so, until you Avere too strong for his king. To him 
we gave four miles round Niagara, as a place of trade. 
We have already said how we caihe to join against vou ; 
Ave saw that we were wrong ; we wished for peace ; you 
demanded a great country to be given up to j'ou ; it wa.s 
surrendered to you, as the price of peace; and we ought 
to have peace and possession of a little land which you 
left us. 

Father — When that great country was given up to you, 
there were but few chiefs present ; and they were com- 
pelled to give it up. And it is not the Six Nations only 
that I'eproach those chiefs with having given up that coun- 
try. The Chipeways, and all the nations who lived on 
these lands westward, call to us, and ask us, brothers of 
our fathers, where is the place which you have reserved 
for us to lie down upon? 

Father — You have compelled us to do that which 
makes us ashamed ; we have nothing to answer to the 
children of the brothers of our fathers. When last spring 
they called upon us to go to war, to secure them a bed to 
lie down upon, the Senecas entreated them to be quiet, un- 
til we had spoken to j^'ou ; but on our way down we 'heard 
that your army had gone towards the country which those 
nations inhabited, and if they meet together, the best blood 
on both sides will fall to the ground. 

Father — We will not conceal from you, that the Great 
God, and not men, has preserved the Corn Plant from the 
hands of his own nation. For they ask continually, where 
is the land which our children, and their children after 
them, are to lie down upon 7 You told us, say they, that 
the line dra\\-n from Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario would 
mark it for ever on the east, and the line running from 
Beaver creek to Pennsylvania, would mark it on the west; 
and we see thai it is not so, for first one and then another 
come, and take it away, by order of that people which you 
tell us promised to secure it to us. He is silent, for he 
has nothing to answer. 

When the sun goes doAvn, he opens his heart before 



380 

Ood, and earlier than the sun appears again upon the 
hills, he gives thanks for his protection during the night : 
tor he fools that among men hecome desperate by tlie in- 
juries they sustain, it is God only that can preserve him. 
He loves peace ; and all he liad in store he has given to 
those who have been robbed by your people, lest they 
should plunder the innocent to repay themselves. The 
whole season which others have employed in providing 
for their families, he has spent in endeavours to preserve 
peace; and this moment his wife and children are lying 
on the ground, and in want of food ; his heart is in pain 
for them ; but he perceives that the Great Spirit will try 
his firmness in doing what is right. 

Father — the game which the Great Spirit sent into our 
country for us to eat, is going from among us. We 
thought he intended we should till the ground with the 
plough, as the white people do; and we talked to one 
another about it. But before we speak to ycvu concerning 
this, we must know from you, whether you mean to leave 
us and our children any land to till. Speak plainly to us. 
concernincf this ijreat business. 



Spe^h of the Chiefs of /he Setieca NnJion, to the Presi- 
dent of the Vnittd Stales — 1790. 

Father — Your speech, written on th<' great paper, is to 
ii.s like the first light of the morning to a sick man, whose 
pulse beats too strongly in his temple.^, and prevents him 
from sleeping ; he sees it, and rejoices, but is not cured. 

You say you have spoken plainly on the great point, 
that you will protect us in our lands secured to us at Fort 
Stanwi.v, and that we liave a right to sell or refuse to sell 
it. This is very good. 

But our nation complain, that you compelled us, at that 
treaty, to gi\e »ip too much of our lands. We confess that 
our nation was bound by what was done there, and ac- 
knowledge your power. Wc have now appealed to your- 
selves against that treaty, as made while you were too 
S3* 



300 

angry at us, and therefore unreasonable and unjust. To 
this you have given us no answer. 

Father — Look at the land we gave you at the treaty, 
and then cast your eyes upon what we now ask you to re- 
store to us ; and you will see that what we ask is a very 
little piece. By giving it back again, you will satisfy the 
whole of our nation. The chiefs who signed that treaty 
will be in safety ; and peace between your children and 
our childreii will continue so long as your lands continue 
to join ours. Every man of our nation will turn his eyes 
away from all the other lands which we then gave up to 
j'ou, and forget that our fathers ever said that they be- 
longed to them. 

Father — You say you will appoint an agent to take 
care of us. Let him come and take care of our trade ; 
but we desire he may not have any thing to do with our 
lands ; for the agents who have come among us, and pre- 
tended to take care of us, have always deceived us, when- 
ever we sold lands : both when the king, and when the 
separate States have bargained with us. They have, by 
this means, occasioned many wars ; and we are unwilling 
to trust them again. 

Father — The blood that was spilt near Pine creek is 
covered, and we shall never look where it lies. We 
know that Pennsylvania will satisfy us for that which we 
speak of to them, before we speak to you. The chain of 
friendship will now. we hope, be made strong, as you de- 
sire it to be — we will hold it fast, and our end of it shall 
never rust in our hands. 

Father — We told you what advice v^p gave to the people 
you are now at war with ; and we now tell you, they 
have promised to come again next spring to our towns. 
We shall not wait for their coming, but set out v.-ry early 
in the season, and show them v^' hat you have done for us, 
which must convince them, that you will do for them 
every thing that they ought to ask. "W'e think they will 
hear us, and foUow^ our advice. 

Father — You gave us lea^■e to speak our minds con- 
cerning tilling of the ground. We ask you to teach u? 
to plough and grind corn, and supply us with broad-axes, 



391 

saws, augers, and other tools, to assist us in building saw- 
mills, so that we may make our houses more comfortable 
and durable ; that you will sond smiths among us ; and 
above all, that you will teach our children to read and 
write, and our women to spin and weave. The manner 
of doing these things for us, we leave to you who under- 
stand them ; but we assure you, we will follow your ad- 
vice as far as we are able. 



Speech of the Chiefs of the Seneca Nation to the Presi- 
dent of the United States — 1790. 

Father — No Seneca ever goes from the fire of his 
friend, until he has said to him, I am going. We there- 
fore tell you that we are now setting out for our own 
country. 

Father — We thank you from our hearts that we now 
know that there is a country that we may calj our own, 
and" on which we may lie down in peace. We see, that 
there will be peace between our children and your chil- 
dren; and our hearts are very glad. We will persuade 
tlie Wyandots, and other western nations, to open their 
eyes, and look towards the bed which you have made for 
us, and to ask of you a bed for themselves and their 
children, that will not slide from under them. We thank 
you for your presents to us, and rely on your promise to 
instruct us in raising corn as the white people do. ' The 
sooner you do thia^e better for us ; and we thank you 
for the care whicl^ou have taken to prevent bad people 
coming to trade among us. If any come without your 
license, we will turn them back ; and we hope our nation 
will determine to spill all the rum that shall hereafter be 
brought to our towns. 

Father — You have not asked of us any surety for 
peace on our pail; but we have agreed to send nine 
Seneca boys, to be under your care for education. Tell 
lis at what time you will receive them, and they shall be 
sent at that tima This will assure you that we are in- 



392 

deed at peace with you, and determined to continue so. 
If you can teach them to be wise and <;(Jod men, we will 
take care that our nation shall be willing to be instructed 
by them. 



Speech of Farmer's Brother. 

[The following Speech was delivered in a Public Council, at Ge- 
nesee River, Nov. 21, I7^f^,hy Ho-na-ya-wus, commonly called Far- 
mer's Brother, and after being written as mterpreted, it was signed 
by the principal Chiefs present, and sent to the Legislature of the 
State of New York.] 

. The Sachems, Chiefs, and Warriors of the Seneca 
Nation, to the Sachems and Chiefs assembled about the 
great Council Fire of the State of New York. 

" Brothers — As you are once more assembled in 
council for the purpose of doing honour to yourselves, 
and justice to your country ; we, your brothers, the 
Sachems, Chiefs, and Warriors of the Seneca Nation, re- 
quest you to open your ears, and give attention to our 
voice and wishes. 

" Brothers — You will recollect the late contest between 
you and your father, the great king of England. This 
contest threw the inhabitants of this whole island into 
a great tumult and commotion, like a raging whirlwind, 
which tears up the trees, and tosses to and fro the leaves, 
so that no one know.? from whence they come, or where 
they will fall. 

" Brothers — This whirlu ind w-as so directed by the 
Great Spirit above, as to throw into our arms two of your 
infant children, Jasper Parrish and Horatio Jones. We 
adopted them into our families, and made them our chil- 
dren. We loved them and nourished them. They lived 
with us many years. At length, the Great Spirit spoke to 
the wdiirlwind, and it was still. A clear and uninterrupted 
sky appeared. The path of peace was opened, and the 
chain of friendship was once more made bright. Then 
these our adopted children left us, to seek their relations. 
We wished them to remain among us, and promised, if 
they would return and live in our country, to give each 



of them a seat of land for them and their children to sit 
down upon. 

" Brothers — They have returned, and have for several 
years past been serviceable to us as interpreters. We 
still feel our hearts beat with affection for them, and now 
wisli to fultil the promise we made them, and to reward 
them for their services. We have therefore made up our 
minds to. give them a seat of two square miles of land 
lying on the outlet of Lake Erie, about three miles below 
Black" Rock, beginning at the mouth of a creek known 
by the name of Scoy-gu-quoy-des Creek, running one 
mile from the river Niagara, up said creek,- thence north- 
wardly as the river runs two miles ; thence westwardly 
one mile to the river ; thence up the river as the river 
runs, two miles to the place of beginning; so as to con- 
tain two square miles. 

" Brothers — We have now made known to you our 
minds. We expect and earnestly request that you will 
permit our friends to receive this our gift, and will make 
the same good to them, according to the laws and customs 
of your nation. 

" Brothers — Why should you hesitate to make our 
minds easy with regard to this our request ? To you it 
is but a little thing, and have you not complied with the 
request, and confirmed the gift of our brothers the Oneidas, 
the Onondagas, and Cayugas, to their interpreters ? And 
shall we ask and not be heard ? 

" Brothers — We send you this our speech, to which Ave 
expect your answer before the breaking up of your great 
council fire" 



Speech of Red Jacket, called by the liidiam, Sa-gu-yu- 
icha-hah, or Keeper Awake, 

In answer to a Speech of the Rev. Mr. Alexander, a missionary from 
the Missionary Society in New York, to tlie Seneca Nnflon of In- 
dians, dehvcred at a Council held at BulTalo Creek, in May, 1811. 

" Brother — We listened to the talk you delivered to 

us from the council of black coats* in New York. AVe 

* The appellation given to the clergymen by the Indians. 



304 

have fully considered your talk, and the oircrs you have 
made us ; we perfectly understand tht-m, and we return 
an answer, which we wish you also to understand. In 
makint^ up our minds, we have looked back, and remem- 
bered what has been done in our days, and what our 
fathers have told us was done in old times. 

" Brother — Great numbers of black coats have been 
amongst the Indians, and with sweet voices and smiling 
faces, have offered to teach them the religion of the 
white people. Our brethren in the East listened to the 
black coats — turned from the religion of their fathers, and 
took up the religion of the white people. What good 
has it done them ? Are they more happy and more 
friendly one to another than we are? No, ^brother, they 
are a divided people — we are united ; they quarrel about 
religion — we live in love and friendship ; they drink 
strongwater — have learned how to cheat — and to practise 
all the vices of the white men, which disgrace Indians, 
without imitatmg the virtues of the white men. Brother, 
if you are our well-wisher, keep away, and do not disturb 
us, 

" Brother — We do not worship the Great Spirit as the 
white men do, but we believe that forms of worship are 
indifferent to the Great Spirit — it is the offering of a sin- 
cere heart that pleases him, and we worship him in this 
manner. According to j-our religion, we must believe in 
a Father and a Son, or we will not be happy hereafter. 
We have always believed in a Father, and we worship 
him, as we were taught by our fathers. Your book says 
the Son was sent on earth by the Father — did all the 
people who saw the Son believe in him ? No, they did 
not; and the consequences must be known to you, if you 
have read the book. 

" Brother — You wish us to change our religion for 
yours — we like our religion, and do not want another. 
Our friends (pointing to Mr. Granger, Mr. Parish, and 
Mr. Taylor) do us great good — they counsel us in our 
troubles — and instruct us how to make ourselves com- 
fortable Our friends the Quakers do more than this — 
they give us ploughs, and show us how to use them 



395 

They tell us we are accountable beings, but do not say 
wo must change our religion. We are satisfied with 
what they do. 

" Brother — For these reasons we cannot receive your 
otTors — we have other things to do, and beg you to malu' 
your mind easy, and not trouble us, lest our heads 
sliould be too much loaded, and by and by burst." 



Speech of Red Jacket. 

[The occasion of the following speech, was, a white man had befn 
murdered by an Indian at Butiaio, and the Indians were unwiliinj; 
to dehver the perpetrator of the crime to our civil authority. Se- 
veral meetings were held between them and the people of I'anan- 
dai.^ua, for the purpose of reconciling them to the propriety and 
justice of surrendering him, to which, however, they at length re- 
luctantly consented.) 

" Brothers — Open your ears, and give your attention. 
This day is appointed by the Great Spirit to meet our 
friends at this place. During the many years that we 
hive lived together in this country, good will and har- 
mony have subsisted among us. 

" Brothers — We have now come forward upon an iin- 
Inppy occasion: we cannot find words to express our 
f.-elings upon it. One of our people has murdered one 
of your people. So it has been ordered by the Great 
Spirit who controls all events. This has been done : we 
cannot now help it. At first view, it would seem to have 
the efi'ect of putting an end to our friendship ; but let ns 
reflect, and put our minds together. Can't we point out 
niea.'=;ures whereby our peace and harmony may still Ixs 
preserved? We have come forward to this place, where 
we have always had a superintendent and friend to re- 
ceive us, and to make known to him such grievances as 
lay upon our minds ; but now we have none ; and we 
have no guardian — no protector — no one is now author- 
ized to receive us 

'■ Brothers — We therefore now call upon you to take 



396 

our speech in writing, and forward our ideas to the Pre- 
sident of the United States. 

" Brothers — Let us look back to our former situation. 
While you were under the government of Great Britain, 
Sir William Johnson was our superintendent, appointed 
by the king. He had powers to settle offences of this 
kind among all the Indian Nations, without adverting to 
the laws. But under tlie British government you were 
uneasy — you wanted to change it for a better. General 
Washington went forward as your leader. From his 
exertions you gained your independence. Immediately 
afterwards a treaty was made between the United States 
and the Six Nations, Avhereby a method was pointed out of 
redressing such an accident as the present. Several 
such accidents did happen, where we Avere the sufferers. 
AVe now claim the same privilege in making restitution 
to you, that you adopted towards us in a similar situation. 

" Brothers — At the close of our treaty at Philadelphia, 
General Washington told us that we had formed a chain 
of friendship which was bright : He hoped it Avould con- 
tinue so on our part : That the United States would be 
equally willing to brighten it, if rusted by any means. 
A number of murders have been committed on our peo- 
ple. We shall only mention the last of them. About 
two years ago, a few of our warriors were amusing them- 
selves in the woods, to the westward of Fort Pitt: two 
white men, coolly and deliberately, took their rifles, tra- 
velled nearly three miles to our encampment, fired upon 
the Indians, killed two men, and wounded two children. 
We then were the party injured. What did we do ? Vv^e 
flew to the treaty, and thereby obtained redress, perfectly 
satisfactory to us, and we hope agreeable to you. This 
was done a short time before President Adams went out 
of office. Complete peace and harmony was restored. 
We now want the same method of redress to be pursued. 

"Brothers — How did the present accident take place? 
Did our warriors go from home, cool and sober, and com- 
mit murder on you? No. Our brother was in liquor, 
and a quarrel ensued, in which the unhnppy accident 
happened. We would not excuse him on account of 



397 

his being in liquor : but such a thing was far from his 
intention in his sober moments. We are all extremely 
grieved at it, and are willing to come forward and ha\c 
it settled, as crimes of the same nature have been here- 
tofore done. 

" Brothers — Since this nccideni has taken place, we 
have been informed, that by the laws of this State, i( a 
murder is committed within it, the murderer must be tried 
by the laws of the State, and punished with death. 

" Brothers — When were such laws explained to i!.¥ Y 
Did we ever make a treaty with the State of New York, 
and agree to conform to its laws? No. We are independ- 
ent of the State of New York. It was the will of the 
Great Spirit to create us different in colour. We have 
diflerent laws, habits, and customs, from the white peo- 
ple. We will never consent that the government of this 
State shall try our brother. We appeal to the govern- 
jnent of the United States. 

" Brothers — Under the customs and habits of our fore- 
fithers, we were a happy people ; we had laws of our 
own ; they were dear to us. The whites came among 
u.s and introduced their customs ; they introduced liquor 
among us, which our forefathers always told us would 
prove our ruin. 

" Brothers — In consequence of the introduction of li- 
quor among us, numbers of our people were killed. A 
council was held to consider of a remedy, at which it was 
agreed by us, that no private revenge should take place, 
for any such murder — that it was decreed by the Great 
Spirit, and that a council should be called, to consider of 
redress to the friends of the deceased. 

" Brothers — The President of the United States is 
called a great man, possessing great power — he may do 
what he pleases — he may turn m.en out of office — men 
who held their offices long before he held his. If he 
can do these things, can he not even control the laws of 
this State? Can he not appoint a commissioner to come 
forward to our country and settle the present difierence, 
as we, on our part, have heretofore often done (o hirn 
upon a similar occasioa 
34 



398 I 

"We now call upon you, Brothfers, to represent thes-? 1 
tilings to the President, and we trust that he will not re- j 
fuse our request, of sending- a comnf)issioner to us, with j 
powers to s(?ttle the present difference. The consequence : 
i>f a refusal may be serious. We are determined that j 
f)ur brother shall not be tried by the laws of the State of \ 
New York. Their laws make no difference between a 
crime committed in liquor, and one committed coolly and 
deliberately. Our laws are different, as we have before j 
stated.- If tried here, our brother must be hanged. We ' 
cannot submit to that. Has a murder been committed ; 
upon our people, when was it punished with death? 

"Brothers — We have now finished what we had to - 
say on the subject of the murder. We vvash to addres.? 
yon upon another, and to have our ideas communicated ' 
to the President upon it also ? 

" Brothers — It was understood at the treaty concluded 
by Col. Pickering, that our superintendent should reside 
in the toAvn of Canandaigua, and for very good reasons : 
that situation is the most central to the Six Nations, and ; 
by subseqvient treaties between the State of New York 
.Tiid the Indians ; and there are still stronger reasons why 
lie should reside here, principally on account of the an- , 
nuities being stipulated to be paid to our superintendent at 
tiiis place. These treaties are sacred. If their superin- ^ 
ti^ndent resides elsewhere, the state may object to sending i 
tlieir money to him at a greater distance. We would j 
therefore wish our superintendent to reside here at ail 
events. 

" Brothers — With regard to the appointment of our 
present superintendent, we look upon ourselves as much 
neglected and injured. When General Chapin and Cap- 
tain Chapin were appointed, our wishes were consulted 
ujion the occasion, and we most cordially agreed to the 
ajipointments. Captain Chapin has been turned out, how 
ever, within these few daj'S. We do not understand that 
any neglect of duty has been alleged against him. We 
are told it is because he differs from the President in his 
sentiments on government matters. He has also been 
perfectly satisfactory to us ; and had we known of the in- 



399 

Icntion, we shovilcl most cordially have united in a petition 
to the Presidtnt to continue him in office. We feel our- 
selves injured — we have nobody to look to — nobody to 
listen to our complaints — none to reconcile any diflerences 
among us. We are like a young iiunily without a father. 
'• Brothers — We cannot conclude without again urgiisg 
you to make known all these our sentiments: to tin- Pre- 
sident." • 



Sprech delivered orer the grave of Black Bujfulo, prcn- 
cipal Chief of the Te/o/i tribe of I/idians, by Ike Biii; 
Elk Maha Chief 

Do not grieve. Misfortunes will happen to the wi^er-t 
and best men. Deatli will come, and always comes owl 
of season. It is the command of the Great Spirit, and all 
nations and people must obey. What is past and eanntit • 
be prevented should not be grievetl for. Be not discour- 
aged or displeased, then, that in visiting your father hero 
you have lost your chief A misfortune of this kind m;i.y 
never again befall you, but this would have attended you 
perhaps at your own villagi". Five limes have I visited 
this land, and never returned with sorrow or pain. Misfbr- 
tinies do not flourish particularly in our path. They 
grow every where. {Addressing himself to Gortrnvr 
Edwards and Colonel Miller.) What a misfortune ll.r 
me, that I could not have died this day, instead of the 
chief that lies before us. The trifli)ig loss my nati(.;i 
would have sustained in my dei'.th woukl have been dou- 
bly paid for, by the honours of my burial — They would 
have wiped off every thing like regret. Instead of being 
covered with a cloud of sorrow, my Avarriors would hav^' 
felt the sunshine of joy in their heart.'^. Tome it would 
have been a most glorious occurrence. Hereafter, when 
1 die, at home, instead of a noble grave and a grand pro- 
cession, the rolling music and the tinmdering cannon, 
with a flag waving at my head— I shall be wrapped in a 
robe (an old rube perhaps) and hoisted on a ^'Ienaer r^caf- 



400 

fold to the whistling- winds, soon to be blown to the earth 
— my flesh to be devoured by the wolves, and mj-- bones 
rattled on the plain by the wild beasts. 

{Addressing himself to Colo?iel Miller.) 
Chief of the Soi.dieus, — Your labours have not 
been in vain. Your attention shall not be forgotten. My 
nation shall knuvyf tlie respect that is paid over the deail 
When I return, i will e«iio the sound of your guns. 



Speech uf Red Jacket. 

[In ihe summer of li?05, a number of the principal Chiefs and War- 
riors of the Six Nations, priiieipally Senecas, asseinhled at Buffalo 
Creek, in the State of New York, at the particular rerjuest of tlie 
Rev. Mr. Cram, a Missionary from tl)e State of Massachusetts. 
The Missionary being furnished with an Interpreter, and accompa- 
nied by the Agent of the United States lor Indian nD'airs, met the 
Indians hi Council, when the following talk took place.] 

First, by the Agent. 

" Brothers of the Six Nations — I rejoice to meet you 
at this time, and thank the Great Spirit that he has pre- 
served you in health, and given me another opportunity 
of taking you by the hand. 

" Brothers — the person who sits by me, is a friend who 
has come a great distance to hold a talk with you. He 
will inform you what his business is, and it is my request 
that you would listen with attention to his words." 

Missionary. " My friends — I am thankful for the 
opportunity aflbrded us of uniting together at this time. 
I had a great desire to see you, and inquire into your 
state and welfare : for this purpose I have travelled a 
great distance, being sent by your old friends, the Boston 
Missionary Society. You will recollect they formerly 
sent missionaries among you, to instruct you in religion, 
and labour for your good. Although they have not heard 
from you for along time, yet they have not forgotten their 
brothers, the Six Nations, and are still anxious to do you 
good. 



401 

" Brothers — I have not come to get your lands or j-oui' 
money, but to enlighten your minds, and to instruct you 
how to worship the Great Spirit agreeably to his mind 
and will, and to preach to you the gospel of his Son Je- 
sus Christ. There is but one religion, and but one way 
to serve God, and if you do not embrace the right way^ 
you cannot be happy hereafter. You have never ^yor- 
shipped the Great Spirit in a manner acceptable to him ; 
but have all your lives been in great errors and darkness. 
To endeavour to remove these errors, and open your eyes, 
so that you might see clearly, is my business with you. 

" Brothers— ^I wish to talk with you as one friend talks 
with another: and if you have any objections to receive 
the religion which I preach, I wish you to state them ; 
and I Avill endeavour to satisfy your minds, and remove 
the objections. -■ ■ 

" Brothers — I want you to speak your minds freely ; 
for I wish to reason with you on the subject, and, if pos- 
sible, remove all doubts, if there be any on your minds. 
The subject is an important one, and it is of consequence 
that "O'l P^'^'t' it an early attention while the ofTer is made 
yoil. Your friends, the Boston ?.'l!!'!!C'!?.ry^ ^'IZlZTj, V,'!;l 
continue to send vou good and faithful ministers, to in- 
Struct and strengthen \-ou m religion, ii, on your part, 
3'ou are willing to receive them. 

" Brothers — Since I have been in this part of the coun- 
try, 1 have visited some of your small villages, and talked 
with your people. They appear willing to receive in- 
struction, but as they look up to you as their elder bro- 
thers in coun(?il, they want first to know your opinion on 
the subject. 

" You have now heard what I have to propose at pre- 
sent. I hope you will take it into consideration, and give 
me an answer before we part." 

Lifter about two hours' consultation amonc themselves, the Chief 
cotnmonU' called by the white people Red Jacket, (whose Indian 
name is Sa-gu-yu-wha-hah, which interpreted, is Keeper Awake,) 
rose and spoke as follows :] 

" Friend and Brother — It was the will of the Great 
Spirit that we should meet together this day. He orders. 
34* 



402 

all things, and has given us a fine tlay for our Council. 
He has taken his garment Irom before the sun, and 
caused it to shine with brightness upon us. Our eyes 
are opened, that we see clearly ; our ears are unstopped, 
that we have been able to hear 'distinctly the words you 
have spoken. For all these favours we thank the Great 
Spirit, and Him oiily. 

*' Brother — This council fire "was kindled by you. It 
was at your request that -we came together at this time. 
We have listened with attention to what you have said. 
You requested us to speak out minds freely. This gives 
us great joy ; for we now consider that we stand upright j| 
before you, and can speak what we think. All have ] 
heard your voice, and all speak to you now as one man. ' 
Our minds are agreed. » ■ 

" Brother — .You say you vi-ant an answer to your talk 
before you leave this place. j\\. is right you should have \ 
one, as you are a great distaftce from home, and we do 
not wish to detain yoi^ But we will first look back a j 
little, and tell you what our-f^hers have told us, and what ; 
we have heard from the white people. i 

" Brothe-i- -Listen to wliat we say. i 

" Thel<e \vas a time when our forefathers owned this i 
great isViad. Their seats extended from the rising to , 
tlie ^ettnig sun. The Great Spirit had made it for the ! 
use of Indians. He had created the buffiilo, the deer, 
alid other animals, for food. He had made the bear and 
the beaver. Their skins served us for clotliing. Hk , 
had scattered them over the country, and taught us how i 
to take them. He had caused the earth to produce corn ^ 
foT bread. All this He had done for his red children,, j 
;be<-.ause he loved them. If we had some disputes about j 
our hunting ground, they were generally settled without 
the shedding of much blood. But an evil day came up- 
on us. Your forefathers crossed the great water, and | 
landed on this island. Their numbers were small. They a 
found friends and not enemies. They told us they hact 
fled from their own country for fear of wicked men, and ; 
had come here to enjoy their religion. They asked for i 
a small seat. We took pity on them, granted their re- 



403 

quest; and they snt down among- us. We ga\e them 
corn and meat : they gave us poison (alluding, it is sup- 
posed, to ardent spirits) in return. 

" The white people had now found our country. Ti- 
dings were carried back, and more came amongst us. 
Yet we did not fear them. We took them to be friends. 
They called us brothers. We believed them, and gave 
them a larger seat. At length their numbers had greatly 
increased. They wanted more land ; they wanted our 
countrj^ Our eyes were opened, and our minds became 
uneasy. Wars took place. Indians were hired to fight 
against Indians, and many of our people were destroyed. 
They also brought strong liquor amongst us. It was 
strong and powerful, and has slain thousands. 

"Brother — Our seats were once large and yours were 
small. You have now become a great people, and we 
have scarcely a place left to spread our blankets. You 
have got our country, but are not satisfied; you want to 
force your religion among us. 

" Brother — continue to listen. 

" You say that you are sent to instruct us how to wor- 
ship the Great Spirit agreeably to his mind, and if we do 
not take hold of the religion which you white people 
teach, we shall be unhappy hereafter. You say that you 
are right, and we are lost. How do Ave know this to be 
true? We understand that your religion is written in a 
book. If it was intended for us as well as you, why has 
not the Great Spirit given to us, and not only to us, but Avhy 
did he not give to our forefathers, the knowledge of that 
book, with the means of understanding it rightly ! We only 
know what you tell us about it. How shall we know when 
to believe, being so often deceived by the white people? 

" Brother — You say there is but one way to worship 
and serve the Gre.it Spirit. If there is but one religion, 
why do you white people dilTcr so much about it? Why 
not all agree, as you can all read the book ? 

" Brother — We do not understand these things. 

"We are told that your religion was given to your 
forefathers, and has been handed down from father to son. 
We also have a religion, which was given to our forefei- 



404 

iheis, and has been handed down to us, their children. 
We worship in that way. It teaches us to be thankful 
for all the favours we receive ; to love each other, and to 
be united. We never quarrel about religion. 

" Brother — The Groat Spirit has made us all, but He 
has made a great difference between his white and red 
children. He has given us different complexions and 
different customs. To you he has given the arts. To 
these he has not opened our eyes. We know these 
things to be true. Since He has made so great a differ- 
ence between us in other things, why may we not con- 
clude that He has given vis a different religion, according 
to our understanding? The Great Spirit does right. He 
knows what is best for his children ; u'e are satisfied. 

" Brother — We do not wish to destroy your religion, or 
take it from you. We only want to enjoy our own. 

"Brother — We are told -that you have been preaching 
to the white people in this place. These people are our 
neighbours. We are acquainted with them. We will 
wait a little while and see what effect your preaching has 
upon them. If we find it does them good, makes thorn 
honest, and less disposed to cheat Indians, We will then 
consider again of what you have said. 

" Brother — You have now heard our answer to your 
talk, and this is all -we have to say at present. 

" As we are going to part, we will come and take you 
by the hand, and hope the Great Spirit will protect you 
on your journey, and return you safe to your friends." 

As the Indians began to approach the missionary, he 
rose hastily from his seat and replied, that he could not 
take them by the hand : that there was no fellov/ship be- 
tween the religion of God and the works of the devil. 

This being interpreted to the Indians, they smiled, and 
retired in a peaceful manner. 

It being afterwards suggested to the missionary that 
his reply to the Indians was rnthcr indiscreet; he ob- 
served, that he supposed the ceremony cf shaking hands 
would be received by them as a token that lie assented to 
what they had said. Being otherwise informed, he said 
he was sorry for the expressions. 



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